What is Rotator Cuff Repair?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles in the shoulder and upper arm. The muscles help to move the arm at the shoulder and also help to stabilize the joint. The muscles are connected to the shoulder bone by tendons, which are strong, flexible cords. Tendons may become damaged from long term overuse or from injury.

A rotator cuff repair is a surgery to repair damage to the rotator cuff.

Rotator Cuff Tear © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Your doctor may recommend this surgery for:

• A rotator cuff injury which does not respond to rest and physical therapy treatment
• A complete tear in the tendon
• Chronic pain and weakness from a partial tear in the tendon

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have this repair, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring within the shoulder joint
• The operation does not provide the desired improvement in function
• Reaction to anesthesia

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
• The stitches or staples come apart

In case of an emergency, CALL 911.