Expert Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery in Chennai for Lasting Shoulder Pain Relief
Reattaching a torn tendon, arthroscopically
- Confirmed rotator cuff tear on MRI or ultrasound
- Persistent weakness or pain with overhead movement
- Tears not improving with physiotherapy
- Active patients wanting to preserve shoulder function
- Larger or full-thickness tears
Understanding the rotator cuff
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilise the shoulder and control arm movement. A tear — from injury, repetitive overhead strain, or age-related degeneration — can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm, particularly overhead.
How arthroscopic repair works
A thin camera (arthroscope) inserted through a small incision gives a direct, magnified view inside the joint. Small instruments passed through additional tiny incisions are used to reattach the torn tendon to the bone, typically using suture anchors, without the larger incision open surgery would require.
Why the minimally invasive route matters
Smaller incisions generally mean less post-operative pain, reduced scarring, and a shorter hospital stay compared with open repair — an important advantage given the extended rehabilitation period rotator cuff healing requires.
How rotator cuff repair works, step by step
Pre-Op Assessment
Clinical exam and imaging (MRI/ultrasound) confirm tear size and location.
Anaesthesia
Regional nerve block or general anaesthesia, chosen based on your health profile.
Small Incisions
A few small portal incisions are made around the shoulder for the arthroscope and instruments.
Tendon Reattachment
The torn tendon is reattached to bone using suture anchors under camera guidance.
Closure & Sling
Incisions are closed; a supportive sling protects the repair during early healing.
What recovery typically looks like
Week 1–4
Sling worn for support; gentle passive movement guided by physiotherapy begins.
Week 5–8
Sling is gradually discontinued; active-assisted range-of-motion exercises progress.
Week 9–16
Strengthening exercises begin as the tendon continues healing into bone.
Month 4–6
Return to most daily and sport-specific activity, guided by strength benchmarks.
Wondering if rotator cuff repair is right for you?
FAQ
Common questions about rotator cuff repair
How do I know if I have a torn rotator cuff?
Common signs include shoulder pain that worsens with overhead movement, weakness lifting the arm, a dull ache deep in the shoulder, and pain that disrupts sleep, particularly when lying on the affected side.
Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?
No. Partial tears and some smaller full-thickness tears, particularly in less active patients, often respond well to physiotherapy. Larger tears or those affecting active patients more often benefit from arthroscopic repair.
Is arthroscopic rotator cuff repair painful?
Because incisions are small, post-operative pain is typically milder than open surgery and manageable with prescribed medication and a supportive sling in the initial recovery period.
How long does it take to recover from rotator cuff surgery?
Recovery is gradual — a sling is typically worn for the first few weeks, followed by progressive physiotherapy over several months, with full recovery often taking around four to six months.
Can I fully regain shoulder strength after rotator cuff repair?
Most patients regain significant strength and function with a completed rehabilitation program, though the exact outcome depends on tear size, tissue quality, and consistency with rehab.