Shoulder Surgeon Perth for Rotator Cuff
Rotator Cuff Repair
Shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff tendon
rotator cuff repair | shoulder surgeon Perth
What is a rotator cuff injury?
A rotator cuff tear is a very common injury causing shoulder pain and disturbed sleep.
When the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder tear, they pull away from their attachment to the bone. Once the tendon is detached from the bone, it starts retracting due to the pull of the rotator cuff muscles. In this situation, a gap develops, and the tear cannot heal of its own accord as the tendons cannot bridge a gap.
rotator cuff repair | shoulder surgeon Perth
What are the surgery options for a rotator cuff tear?
Surgery is the only way to repair a full thickness rotator cuff tear.
There are two common types of surgery for Rotator Cuff Repair.
The first is an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
The second is called a mini open repair.
The choice of surgery will be influenced by several factors including the size and location of the tear, the quality of the tendon tissue, and whether it is a recent or old tear.
rotator cuff repair | shoulder surgeon Perth
CO.RE Rotator Cuff
A rotator cuff tear is a very common injury causing shoulder pain and disturbed sleep.
When the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder tear, they pull away from their attachment to the bone. Once the tendon is detached from the bone, it starts retracting due to the pull of the rotator cuff muscles. In this situation, a gap develops, and the tear cannot heal of its own accord as the tendons cannot bridge a gap.
rotator cuff repair | shoulder surgeon Perth
Arthroscopic and mini open repair for rotator cuff injuries
Arthroscopic repair involves using an arthroscope and specialised instruments inside the shoulder to perform a tendon repair through keyhole cuts.
The mini open repair starts with arthroscopic surgery to remove any bone spurs and clean up shoulder bursitis. Then a small incision is made on the shoulder splitting the deltoid muscle to allow access to the rotator cuff tendons for repair.
With both methods, the tendon is reattached to bone by using small metal or plastic screws in the bone. These screws have sutures attached which are tied to the tendon, and this allows the tendon to be pulled back into place. The stitches hold the tendon in place until it grows back onto the bone.
rotator cuff repair | shoulder surgeon Perth
Rehabilitation and rotator cuff repair
When it comes to Rotator Cuff Repair, surgery is only half the battle. The success of shoulder surgery depends on getting the rehabilitation right.
The hospital physiotherapist will instruct you on exercises the first day after your surgery. Intensive physiotherapy starts six weeks after surgery when you come out of the sling.
By three months most people have reasonable day to day function of their shoulder. Strength and movement will continue to improve for twelve months.
rotator cuff repair | shoulder surgeon Perth
How do I know a rotator cuff repair is best for me?
Rotator cuff repair is generally a very successful operation for restoring strength and movement in the shoulder and relieving pain.
When you book an appointment with Perth orthopaedic surgeon Dr Colvin, he will tell you more about the surgical treatment options for rotator cuff repair and the rehabilitation involved.
rotator cuff repair | shoulder surgeon Perth
Related topics
Listen to the MediTalk podcast on Rotator Cuff.