| Not all people having a rotator cuff tear will require | | | | is faster with them. However, the open method is |
| surgery. Most of the partial rotator cuff tear will get | | | | easy to perform for surgeons and in these two latest |
| well with non-surgical treatment. Full thickness rotator | | | | methods where arthroscope is used the outcome of |
| cuff tears may require surgery. There are three | | | | the surgery depends on the skill of the surgeon. |
| methods of rotator cuff tear surgery. | | | | The old method is better suited for larger tears and |
| Of the three methods open surgery is the old method | | | | the latest methods are good for smaller tears. |
| of rotator cuff tear surgery. The other two: mini-open | | | | However, with improved technology and practice |
| and arthroscopic are the latest methods. They are | | | | surgeons are able to repair any type of tear. |
| preferred as they are less invasive and cause less | | | | Physical therapy is essential after rotator cuff tear |
| pain. | | | | surgery. The patient will be strongly advised not to |
| Rotator cuff tear surgery is a major surgery and will | | | | make any movement of the arms or shoulders for the |
| take 4-6 months to heal completely. In the open | | | | first few weeks. After that physical therapy sessions |
| method a big incision measuring 6-10 centimeters is | | | | start with very gentle and slow movements. |
| made on the shoulder to access and repair the tendon. | | | | Gradually the intensity is increased after four-six |
| This causes a lot of pain after the surgery. | | | | weeks. The patient may recover completely after a |
| The rehabilitation period is longer for this method of | | | | period of four-six months. Recovery depends on the |
| surgery. The other two methods use a camera to | | | | strength of the patient before the tear, the extent of |
| view the torn part and carry out repair. These two | | | | tear, and the age of the patient. |
| methods are less invasive and the rehabilitation period | | | | |