Supraspinatus Repair & Rehabilitation

Orthopaedic surgeons treat tears of the supraspinatus, also known as rotator cuff tears. Patients will learn about their specific condition and treatment options at the time of evaluation. Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain.

Indications for Repair

• Surgery may be recommended for a supraspinatus tear.

  According to Wheeless Orthopaedics, symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include pain and loss of function of the shoulder. Surgery is indicated if the patient has failed other conservative measures such as a course of anti-inflammatories and physical therapy. The patient should have full passive range of motion at the time of surgery. The patient needs full range of motion because adhesive capsulitis, or "frozen shoulder" is a contraindication for rotator cuff surgery. If a surgeon cannot get full motion passively, he will not be able to perform the surgery.

Supraspinatus Repair Options

• Shoulder surgery may be an inpatient or outpatient procedure.

  The three options for rotator cuff repair are arthroscopy, mini-open repair and open repair. Arthroscopic repair requires a skilled surgeon but results in only small incisions. Open repair involves an incision more than 5 cm in length, but typically has good results. The mini-open repair combines an arthroscopy with a smaller incision for the repair.

Rehabilitation

• Strengthening exercises are the final rehab stage.

  Regardless of incision type, rotator cuff repairs require six to 12 months before full strength and function is restored. Rehabilitation is conducted in stages with use of a sling in the first weeks after surgery followed by gentle motion exercises and eventually strengthening.