Video of Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery
Some people who have a torn rotator cuff do not respond to non-operative interventions such as cortisone injections, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Most people would agree that if possible it is best to try these options to avoid surgery if at all possible. In some cases, such as elite athletes with full tears, rotator cuff tear surgery may be the most appropriate option to deal with their pain and allow them to return to their normal daily activities.
There are surprisingly few good videos available online detailing the surgery involved when fixing the torn rotator cuff. The video below provides a good description of what is actually done when repairing such tears.
As you can see in the video example, the RC tendon is torn completely from its attachment to the humerus. The surgeon takes an arthroscopic approach and screws one or more pins into the bone. Then, sutures are used to securely attach the torn tendon back to the humerus.
This is a pretty quick explanation, but it does help people preparing for surgery to have a better idea of what is going on. Of course, there are different ways that surgeons may approach rotator cuff tear surgery and this video shows only one of them. Surgeons are willing to answer any questions one may have about a surgery before it happens so that the patient fully grasps what will happen to their body.
Rotator cuff surgery is not a quick fix to the injury. Patients still require physical therapy and rehab after to help rebuild the affected muscles and may need medications to decrease inflammation and pain. But, when necessary, this operation can really make a dramatic difference to the quality of someone’s life.
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