Rotator Cuff (Shoulder) Surgery

Rotator cuff surgery repairs a tear in a rotator cuff tendon that connects the upper arm and shoulder. People from Toronto, Ontario; Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, British Columbia; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and across Canada come to Surgical Solutions Network for private rotator cuff surgery by a subspecialist orthopedic shoulder surgeon using minimally invasive techniques.

Rotator Cuff Surgery With Surgical Solutions Network

At Surgical Solutions Network, our experienced, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons are committed to helping you regain full motion in your shoulder so you can enjoy sports and other activities again. Patients appreciate our exceptional pre- and post-operative care delivered with compassion. If you don’t want to endure long wait times for shoulder surgery, explore your options for Canadian private healthcare.

What Does Rotator Cuff Surgery Treat?

Rotator cuff shoulder surgery treats shoulder pain and weakness that typically results from a major injury or repeated injuries. The rotator cuff is the group of tendons and muscles that helps keep the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket so the arm can be raised and rotated. A rotator cuff tear can also result from overuse of the shoulder, such as from repeated overhead working, or as a consequence of another shoulder injury. When the rotator cuff is torn, the patient experiences shoulder pain and weakness that can affect daily activities and participation in sports and fitness activities. Pain and instability usually happen when the arm is raised but can spread to other motions if left untreated.

Without rotator cuff repair surgery, the shoulder may not heal properly, even after physiotherapy, leading to further shoulder pain, weakness, and injuries, and can affect work and other activities.

What Are the Signs That You Need Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Rotator cuff surgery is most commonly recommended in cases where:

• X-rays or other scans show damage to the shoulder that will worsen without surgery.
• The patient has difficulty and/or feels pain when putting their arm in the air, throwing, or performing similar actions involving the shoulder that highlight shoulder instability.
• Symptoms have lasted more than 6 months and have not responded to physiotherapy.

What Are the Benefits of Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Arthroscopic rotator cuff shoulder surgery can eliminate shoulder aches and pain and restore function and stability to the shoulder in patients. It also helps to reduce the risk of further shoulder damage due to shoulder instability and weakness and improves patients’ ability to take part in daily activities and sports more comfortably.

How Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Performed?

Our surgeons perform rotator cuff repair surgery using general anesthetic so the patient sleeps for the duration of the procedure. The surgeon first makes small incisions in the front, middle, and rear of the shoulder, as well as in the upper arm. The surgeon then inserts small instruments, including an arthroscope (tiny camera), through the incisions to tie the two sides of the torn rotator cuff tendon back together with sutures. The repaired tendon is then attached to the shoulder bone with additional sutures. These sutures are held in place by anchors in the bone. Both sutures and anchors eventually dissolve as the area heals.

What Is Recovery Like After Rotator Cuff Surgery?

After undergoing rotator cuff repair surgery, patients are moved to a recovery room for monitoring. This surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for an overnight hospital stay. To ensure a smooth and effective recovery, patients are given a set of aftercare instructions to follow during the healing process; some key points are listed below:

• You must have a trusted adult drive you home after the surgery to ensure your safety.
• You’ll wear a sling, keeping the arm securely close to your body for 4 to 6 weeks to aid in proper healing.
• It’s important to keep sutures clean and dry after surgery.
• Some pain is normal after the procedure, and you can manage it with medication as directed.
• A course of physical therapy may be advised to strengthen the shoulder and facilitate a full return to functionality.
• Since arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive surgery, you can generally expect a quicker and more comfortable recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Next Steps: Book Your Rotator Cuff Repair Consultation

If you are ready to discuss your shoulder surgery needs with our orthopedic surgeons, contact us online to learn more and request a consultation today. A patient advisor will contact you to discuss:

• Your medical history
• Incision techniques
• Potential risks and complications

We look forward to helping you live your life more fully with rotator cuff surgery in Canada.