| In the past the traditional method for repairing a torn | | | | less trauma to the soft tissues and joint structures of |
| rotator cuff was to use the "open method" in which a | | | | the shoulder. The result was smaller scars and less |
| large incision was made over the outside aspect of | | | | damage to surrounding structures. The large deltoid |
| the shoulder. From here the surgeon could separate | | | | muscle of the shoulder is better off with the scope |
| the muscles to see the rotator cuff, find the torn part | | | | procedure because in the open procedure the deltoid |
| and repair it. This type of surgery had its problems and | | | | is detached (one of the reasons recovery time can be |
| because of that a newer technique called the | | | | significantly longer). Surgeons report that they can |
| "arthroscopic rotator cuff repair" was developed. This | | | | view the cuff better through the arthroscopic |
| article will discuss the latter procedure. | | | | procedure as well. |
| The arthroscopic repair uses smaller incisions and a | | | | One of the biggest arguments against the arthroscopic |
| small camera and instruments to perform the repair. | | | | rotator cuff repair is that some believe the actual |
| The camera is inserted through a small incision and the | | | | repair is not as good as those accomplished through |
| surgeon can view the inner workings of the shoulder | | | | the open procedure. In the open procedure the |
| on a TV monitor. The repair can then be made. | | | | surgeon can directly view the torn muscle. In the scope |
| The arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is made with small | | | | procedure he is viewing it through a camera. Some |
| instruments. The surgeon makes three small incisions | | | | surgeons believe that the direct visualization leads to a |
| called portals. The camera is inserted through these | | | | stronger repair. |
| portals and the tissue structures can be viewed on a | | | | One other aspect that is considered a con against the |
| television monitor. The surgeon can also insert small | | | | arthroscopic repair is that it takes a long time and alot |
| instruments through these same portals and while | | | | of experience for the surgeon to master the |
| viewing the torn muscle or tendon on the monitor he | | | | techniques. If you are considering this type of surgery |
| can perform the repair. | | | | you should find out how much experience your |
| This newer procedure was developed in the hopes | | | | surgeon has performing it. |
| that it would improve the healing time over and above | | | | Time will tell if the benefits of the arthroscopic rotator |
| an open procedure. The trauma of the open | | | | cuff repair outweigh the open repair. The decision to |
| procedure to the patient's shoulder proved to be | | | | use this procedure largely depends on your surgeon's |
| painful, cause long rehab time and left a large scar. | | | | preference. The technique may not be beneficial for all |
| These were potential problems that needed to be | | | | shoulder patients. Your surgeon should be able to |
| overcome. | | | | educate you on the pros and cons of this particular |
| The arthroscopic cuff repairs were found to cause | | | | procedure. |