Signs You Need Rotator Cuff Surgery
Rotator cuff surgery candidates experience persistent shoulder pain worsening with overhead activities, significant weakness preventing normal arm use and lifting, pain radiating down the arm particularly at night, inability to sleep on the affected shoulder, failed conservative treatment including 3-6 months of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections, difficulty performing daily activities like dressing, reaching behind back, or lifting objects, acute traumatic tear in active individuals requiring immediate intervention, and progressive symptoms despite appropriate non-surgical management. Not all rotator cuff tears require surgery—many patients, particularly older individuals with small tears, achieve acceptable function through physical therapy alone. However, symptomatic tears causing significant pain and functional limitation that haven't improved with conservative treatment warrant rotator cuff surgery. Young, active patients with acute traumatic tears benefit from early rotator cuff surgery preventing tear progression and muscle degeneration. The decision for rotator cuff surgery involves multiple factors including tear size, symptoms, age, activity level, functional demands, and treatment goals.
Schedule Your ConsultationWho's a Candidate for Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Determining candidacy for rotator cuff surgery requires comprehensive evaluation. Understanding selection criteria ensures optimal rotator cuff surgery outcomes:
Failed Conservative Treatment
+Ideal rotator cuff surgery candidates have symptomatic tears that haven't improved despite 3-6 months of appropriate conservative treatment including structured physical therapy, activity modification, NSAIDs, and at least one corticosteroid injection. Persistent pain and weakness despite optimal non-surgical management indicate need for rotator cuff surgery. Acute traumatic tears in young active individuals may warrant earlier rotator cuff surgery without prolonged conservative trials.
Tear Repairability and Tissue Quality
+Best rotator cuff surgery candidates have repairable tears with good tissue quality. Small to medium tears (less than 3cm) with minimal muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration have highest rotator cuff surgery success rates. Large and massive tears may still benefit from rotator cuff surgery but have lower healing rates. Rotator cuff surgery candidacy requires MRI assessment showing adequate tendon quality, minimal muscle degeneration, and sufficient tendon length to reach bone.
Age and Activity Demands
+While age alone doesn't preclude rotator cuff surgery, younger patients (under 65) typically achieve better outcomes. Active individuals motivated to complete lengthy rehabilitation are ideal rotator cuff surgery candidates. High-demand athletes, manual laborers, and those whose work requires overhead activities particularly benefit from rotator cuff surgery. Older sedentary patients with acceptable function may avoid rotator cuff surgery through conservative management.
Patient Health and Commitment
+Rotator cuff surgery candidates must be healthy enough for anesthesia, non-smokers or willing to quit (smoking dramatically impairs rotator cuff surgery healing), and committed to 6-12 month rehabilitation. Realistic expectations are essential—rotator cuff surgery improves pain and function but may not restore 100% strength. Diabetics, those with workers' compensation claims, and chronic pain patients may have less favorable rotator cuff surgery outcomes.
Preparing for Rotator Cuff Surgery
Optimal preparation significantly improves rotator cuff surgery outcomes and healing rates. Stop smoking at least 4-6 weeks before rotator cuff surgery—this is the single most important factor for successful rotator cuff surgery healing. Smoking dramatically increases rotator cuff surgery failure rates and complications. Complete all pre-operative physical therapy maximizing pre-operative motion—better pre-surgery motion predicts better rotator cuff surgery outcomes. Optimize nutritional status with adequate protein intake supporting tendon healing after rotator cuff surgery. Control blood sugar if diabetic—elevated glucose impairs rotator cuff surgery healing. Discontinue anti-inflammatory medications 7-10 days before rotator cuff surgery as directed. Arrange transportation and assistance for at least one week after rotator cuff surgery. Prepare your home with items at accessible heights avoiding overhead reaching after rotator cuff surgery. Purchase a comfortable sling for post-rotator cuff surgery immobilization. Fill prescriptions beforehand. Plan extended time off work—2-4 weeks for desk jobs, 3-6 months for physical labor after rotator cuff surgery. Mental preparation for lengthy rotator cuff surgery rehabilitation commitment is critical for satisfaction.
How is Rotator Cuff Surgery Performed?
Rotator cuff surgery begins with general anesthesia and nerve block providing post-operative pain control. You're positioned in beach chair or lateral position for the rotator cuff surgery. The surgeon creates 3-4 small arthroscopic incisions (5-10mm) around the shoulder. An arthroscope is inserted during rotator cuff surgery, displaying high-definition magnified images on monitors. Sterile fluid inflates the joint for optimal visualization during rotator cuff surgery.
During rotator cuff surgery, comprehensive shoulder examination identifies all pathology. The surgeon assesses tear pattern, size, retraction, and tissue quality. The bone footprint where tendon attaches is prepared during rotator cuff surgery by removing damaged tissue and creating bleeding surface promoting healing. Specialized bone anchors loaded with strong sutures are inserted into the prepared footprint during rotator cuff surgery. Sutures are passed through the torn tendon using various rotator cuff surgery techniques. For larger tears, rotator cuff surgery uses double-row repair configurations maximizing contact area and healing potential. The tendon is secured back to bone with appropriate tension during rotator cuff surgery. Additional rotator cuff surgery procedures like subacromial decompression or distal clavicle excision are performed if indicated. The joint is irrigated and incisions closed. A sling immobilizes the arm after rotator cuff surgery. Rotator cuff surgery takes 60-120 minutes depending on complexity. Same-day discharge is standard after rotator cuff surgery.
Recovery After Rotator Cuff Surgery
Recovery from rotator cuff surgery requires patience and strict compliance with rehabilitation protocols. Tendon healing after rotator cuff surgery takes 12-16 weeks. Premature activity after rotator cuff surgery dramatically increases re-tear risk. Most rotator cuff surgery patients achieve maximum improvement at 9-12 months. Understanding rotator cuff surgery recovery phases helps set realistic expectations.
Immobilization Phase After Rotator Cuff Surgery (Weeks 0-6)
+Arm remains in sling continuously for 4-6 weeks after rotator cuff surgery protecting the repair. Nerve block provides 12-24 hours of numbness after rotator cuff surgery. Pain medication manages discomfort once sensation returns. Gentle passive motion exercises (therapist moves your arm) begin immediately after rotator cuff surgery preventing stiffness without stressing repair. No active motion or muscle contraction allowed after rotator cuff surgery. Hand, wrist, and elbow exercises prevent stiffness.
Active Motion Phase After Rotator Cuff Surgery (Weeks 6-12)
+Sling discontinued once initial rotator cuff surgery healing confirmed, typically 6 weeks. Physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery progresses to active-assisted exercises. Gradual progression to active motion occurs as rotator cuff surgery healing permits. No resistance or strengthening yet after rotator cuff surgery—focus remains on restoring motion. Driving resumes once off narcotics after rotator cuff surgery, typically 6-8 weeks. Light desk work may resume.
Strengthening Phase After Rotator Cuff Surgery (Months 3-6)
+Once rotator cuff surgery tendon healing confirmed by examination and imaging, progressive strengthening begins around 12 weeks. Start with isometrics, progress to resistance bands, then light weights after rotator cuff surgery. Gradual increase in resistance and repetitions. Functional activities expand after rotator cuff surgery. Return to light work typically 3-4 months after rotator cuff surgery. Sports and heavy activities remain restricted until adequate strength restored.
Return to Full Activity After Rotator Cuff Surgery (Months 6-12)
+Continued strengthening and functional training after rotator cuff surgery. Return to unrestricted activities including sports and heavy labor typically 6-9 months after rotator cuff surgery based on tear size, repair quality, and strength recovery. Maximum improvement after rotator cuff surgery often takes 12 months. Lifetime shoulder maintenance exercises recommended after rotator cuff surgery. Regular follow-up monitors healing and function. Re-tear risk after rotator cuff surgery decreases once fully healed but never completely eliminated.
Expert Rotator Cuff Surgery in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland Shoulder Institute specializes in advanced rotator cuff surgery with over 200 rotator cuff surgeries performed annually. Our surgeons utilize the latest rotator cuff surgery techniques including double-row repairs for larger tears, knotless anchor systems, bridging techniques for massive tears, and biological augmentation when needed for optimal rotator cuff surgery healing. We participate in clinical research advancing rotator cuff surgery outcomes.
Our comprehensive rotator cuff surgery approach includes thorough pre-operative evaluation determining tear repairability, optimization of patient factors affecting rotator cuff surgery healing, expert arthroscopic technique maximizing repair strength, and evidence-based rehabilitation protocols after rotator cuff surgery. We coordinate closely with specialized physical therapists who understand critical rotator cuff surgery healing phases. Rotator cuff surgery is performed at accredited ambulatory surgery centers equipped with high-definition arthroscopic systems. We utilize nerve blocks and multimodal pain management after rotator cuff surgery minimizing narcotic requirements. Located in Cleveland with convenient scheduling, same-day appointments for acute injuries, and thorough pre-operative consultations ensuring understanding of rotator cuff surgery and recovery commitment required.
Schedule Your ConsultationMeet our Rotator Cuff Surgery Team
Dr. Gobezie is a fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon who completed advanced training in arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery and complex reconstruction. He performs hundreds of rotator cuff surgeries annually, maintaining expertise in both routine and complex tears requiring advanced rotator cuff surgery techniques. Dr. Gobezie stays current through active participation in research evaluating rotator cuff surgery healing rates and outcomes, teaching commitments training other surgeons in rotator cuff surgery, and leadership in professional societies dedicated to advancing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Supporting Dr. Gobezie are board-certified anesthesiologists specializing in regional nerve blocks for rotator cuff surgery, experienced surgical technologists trained in arthroscopic instrumentation and anchor systems used in rotator cuff surgery, and specialized physical therapists with expertise in post-rotator cuff surgery rehabilitation protocols. Our therapists understand the critical importance of protecting rotator cuff surgery repairs during early healing while preventing stiffness. This comprehensive rotator cuff surgery team approach ensures optimal surgical technique, appropriate repair construct selection, effective pain management, and structured rehabilitation maximizing rotator cuff surgery healing rates and functional outcomes.
What Our Patients Say About Rotator Cuff Surgery
Real experiences from patients who successfully underwent rotator cuff surgery:
"I tore my rotator cuff in a fall and couldn't lift my arm. Dr. Gobezie performed rotator cuff surgery arthroscopically and explained the recovery process clearly. I followed the rehab protocol carefully and nine months after rotator cuff surgery I have full strength back. The surgery was definitely worth it."
— Steven Baker
"After six months of physical therapy with no improvement, rotator cuff surgery was the right choice. The arthroscopic approach meant small incisions and less pain than I expected. The recovery from rotator cuff surgery took patience but my shoulder is so much better now. I can sleep on that side again and have no pain."
— Linda Thompson
"Dr. Gobezie was honest about the lengthy recovery from rotator cuff surgery but also confident about the repair. The surgical team was excellent and physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery was crucial. One year after rotator cuff surgery my shoulder is strong and functional. I'm back to playing tennis and doing everything I want to do."
— Michael Roberts
Rotator Cuff Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
How long does rotator cuff surgery take to recover?
+Recovery from rotator cuff surgery follows a structured timeline: initial healing takes 12-16 weeks with sling for 4-6 weeks, gradual motion restoration after rotator cuff surgery continues through 12 weeks, strengthening begins at 3 months after rotator cuff surgery, and return to full activities typically 6-9 months after rotator cuff surgery. Larger tears require longer recovery from rotator cuff surgery. Maximum improvement continues through 12 months after rotator cuff surgery. Patience and rehabilitation compliance are critical for optimal rotator cuff surgery outcomes.
What is the success rate of rotator cuff surgery?
+Rotator cuff surgery success rates vary by tear size: small tears 90-95%, medium tears 80-85%, large tears 70-80%, massive tears 50-70%. Rotator cuff surgery success depends on tear size, chronicity, muscle quality, surgical technique, and rehabilitation compliance. Even partially healed repairs after rotator cuff surgery often provide excellent pain relief and functional improvement. Most patients achieve significant benefit from rotator cuff surgery when appropriately selected.
Can rotator cuff tear again after surgery?
+Re-tear risk after rotator cuff surgery exists, ranging from 5-10% for small tears to 30-40% for massive tears. Risk factors for re-tear after rotator cuff surgery include larger tears, older age, smoking, poor tissue quality, and inadequate rehabilitation. Following post-operative restrictions and completing full rehabilitation after rotator cuff surgery significantly reduces re-tear risk. Most re-tears after rotator cuff surgery occur in first 3-6 months during healing phase.
Is rotator cuff surgery painful?
+Pain after rotator cuff surgery is managed effectively with nerve blocks providing 12-24 hours of numbness, followed by prescription pain medication. Most rotator cuff surgery patients describe moderate discomfort for 1-2 weeks, significantly improving by 4-6 weeks. Physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery causes temporary soreness but shouldn't produce severe pain. Modern pain management makes rotator cuff surgery recovery tolerable for most patients.
Should I have rotator cuff surgery or try therapy first?
+Most patients try conservative treatment first including 3-6 months of physical therapy, unless acute traumatic tears in young active individuals warrant immediate rotator cuff surgery. If symptoms don't improve adequately with therapy or if tear is large in an active person, rotator cuff surgery is typically recommended. Your surgeon evaluates multiple factors including tear size, symptoms, age, and activity level to recommend optimal timing for rotator cuff surgery.