Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff muscles are a group of 4 muscles on the shoulder blade (scapula). Their tendons combine and insert on the shoulder ball (humeral head). These muscles help to keep the shoulder in its socket and help with lifting of the upper arm as well as rotation.

With time these tendons get weaker and may tear with varying degrees of trauma. This causes pain especially with lifting of arm and at night. It may also cause various degrees of weakness.

When the symptoms interfere with normal activities, it is necessary to repair the tendons to the bone with anchors. This is done arthroscopically (key hole) or sometimes with a mini incision. Patients are discharged on the following day with the arm in a sling for 6 weeks and with a rehabilitation program at the Physiotherapist. Healing occurs in 6 weeks, but full recovery may take up to 6 months.