Shoulder · Rotator cuff & tendons
Rotator cuff repair
Partial and full-thickness tears, including revision repair
The condition
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that surround the ball of the shoulder and help lift and rotate the arm. A rotator cuff tear occurs when a tendon pulls away from the bone, from an injury or gradual wear. It causes pain (often at night), weakness, and trouble lifting the arm.
The surgery
Rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive, typically outpatient surgery done through small incisions with a camera and small instruments. The torn tendon is reattached to the bone with small anchors and sutures. Your surgeon may also remove bone spurs or treat the biceps tendon. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Sling
- Typically 6 weeks, removed for hygiene and exercises. Your therapist moves the shoulder for you; do not lift or reach with the surgical arm.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. Using the arm on its own for light daily tasks returns between 6 and 12 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Lifting & overhead
- Strengthening builds from 12 weeks. Lifting, overhead use, and running return gradually between 3 and 6 months.
- Sports
- Full return typically at 4–6 months, depending on the size of your tear and speed of recovery. Return without limitation occurs once motion is full and strength is close to the other side.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients have less pain, better sleep, and improved strength and function. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, re-tear or incomplete healing of the tendon, shoulder stiffness, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery