Shoulder Surgery (Rotator Cuff)
This document will give you information about shoulder surgery
(rotator cuff). If you have any questions, you should ask your GP
or other relevant health professional.
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is formed from four muscles and tendons that
attach your arm to the top of your shoulder blade (see figure
1).
Figure 1 - The rotator cuff in a right shoulder
- a Viewed from the front
- b Viewed from the back
Impingement or a tear are the usual types of damage that can
happen to the rotator cuff.
What are the benefits of surgery?
If the surgery is successful, you should have less pain and be
able to use your shoulder better.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Most people with impingement or a small tear can get back good
function by changing their activities, and with the help of
physiotherapy. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and
anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can also help.
A steroid and local-anaesthetic injection into your
shoulder can sometimes reduce pain. If you have a large tear, it is
likely that surgery is your only option to get back some strength
in your shoulder.
What does the operation involve?
Impingement is usually treated by arthroscopy (‘keyhole’
surgery). If you have a large tear, you may need a larger cut.
Shoulder surgery is usually performed under a general
anaesthetic.
However, a variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible. Your
surgeon will use instruments to remove any thickened tissue,
release any tight tissue and to shave off some bone. If you have a
large tear, your surgeon will repair the rotator cuff using special
stitches that anchor into the bone.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Bleeding into the shoulder
- Restricted shoulder movement
- Infection in the shoulder
- Blood clot
- Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of the arm and hand
(Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
- Damage to nerves
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day. Any stitches or
clips are usually removed about one to two weeks after the
operation.
It can take up to a year to get back enough strength in your
shoulder to return to normal activities. You are unlikely to get
back the same strength that you had before and often symptoms come
back with time.
Summary
Rotator-cuff problems can cause pain and weakness in your
shoulder. An operation can help to reduce any pain and to get back
some strength in your shoulder.
Acknowledgements
Author: Prof John Stanley MCh Orth FRCS (Ed) FRCSE and Mr
Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
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The information should not replace advice that
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