| Rotator cuff tear surgery is sometimes the best and | | | | however, more commonly used for repairing tears |
| only way to fix a major problem. Unfortunately, the | | | | since greater access to the shoulder is often required. |
| recovery process can be long, grueling and possibly | | | | The recovery after open surgery tends to be longer |
| even more painful than the original tear. Inasmuch, it's | | | | and more fraught with complications. Rotator cuff tear |
| not at all uncommon for people to put prevention of | | | | surgery can prove to be very successful in repairing |
| future injuries high on their "to do" lists following surgery. | | | | problems. It is, however, quite important to prevent |
| Cuff tear surgery tends to occur in one of two main | | | | further injuries and the need for additional surgery. To |
| ways, depending on the severity of the tear. The basic | | | | do so, patients are advised to: |
| premise involves cutting into the skin and deltoid | | | | - Pay heed to all post-surgical orders - Wearing a sling, |
| muscle to gain access to the damaged tendon and | | | | taking medications and taking care to prevent |
| bone. The tendon is reattached to the bone by the | | | | overexertion of the newly repaired shoulder can be |
| surgeon for functionality. During the procedure, a | | | | vital for preventing further rotator cuff tearing. The |
| surgeon may also correct other problems that are | | | | post-surgical need to wear a sling can run from about |
| spotted, such as the removal of bone spurs. The two | | | | six to 12 weeks. |
| main procedures that are used for rotator cuff tear | | | | - Submit to physical therapy - Rebuilding shoulder |
| surgery are: | | | | strength following rotator cuff surgery is an arduous |
| - Arthroscopic - This type of surgery involves the use | | | | process. Physical therapy can be required for quite |
| of a small, pen-shaped tool with a video camera | | | | some time and generally begins within a day or two of |
| attached to the end. During arthroscopic rotator cuff | | | | the actual procedure. When physical therapy is |
| tear surgery of this kind, the incision tends to be very | | | | properly employed, preventing future problems that |
| small and the risks lowered. | | | | may require rotator cuff tear surgery again is often |
| - Open surgery - This involves a much more | | | | quite possible. It can also speed up the recovery |
| complicated procedure that can have higher risks. It is, | | | | process. |