Rotator cuff repair may be necessary for patients who have not responded to nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy and medication. Those who experience an increase in pain, loss of function, weakness and limited range of motion in the shoulder are candidates for rotator cuff repair. During repair surgery, the tendon of the shoulder is reattached to the humeral head, where the tear occurred.
Arthroscopic Repair
Arthroscopic repair is one of the methods surgeons use to repair a torn rotator cuff. Using several small incisions, the surgeon inserts a small camera in order to see the area that is injured. The surgeon repairs the rotator cuff and uses sutures to reattach the tendon to the humeral head. Arthroscopic repairs have less risk of side effects, less blood loss during the surgery and a shorter length of stay in the hospital. Most arthroscopic repairs are performed on an outpatient basis. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 80 to 95 percent of patients who undergo arthroscopic repair for a torn rotator cuff have less pain, increased mobility and improved range of motion. Contributing factors such as the age of the patient, the size of the tear and compliance with postsurgical instructions affect the outcome of the surgery.
Open Repair
An open repair procedure for a torn rotator cuff is performed without arthroscopy. The surgeon makes an incision over the shoulder joint. In most cases the surgeon then detaches the deltoid muscle in order to see the area that needs repair. At this time, most surgeons also remove any bone spurs that may be located under the acromion. Patients who receive an open repair of the rotator cuff most often have a decrease in pain and function is restored to the shoulder joint. An open repair is performed primarily because it is a durable repair and usually provides long-term relief from symptoms.
Mini-Open Repair
A mini-open repair is similar to an open repair, but surgeons incorporate arthroscopic techniques during the surgery to achieve the desired results. Arthroscopic techniques allow the surgeon to see the area to be repaired and any bone spurs are removed at this time. A small incision is made during the procedure to allow the surgeon to repair the rotator cuff. Mini-open repair surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and produces results similar to open repair surgery. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, mini-open repair surgery is one of the most commonly used methods of repairing rotator cuff tears.
Tags: open repair, rotator cuff, repair surgery, rotator cuff, torn rotator, torn rotator cuff, Academy Orthopaedic