Types of Rotator Cuff Repairs

Rotator cuff repairs include both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Non-surgical treatments often help relieve pain and restore shoulder use, according to the National Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Surgical repairs may be indicated if the tear is immediate and very painful, if the tear is in the dominant arm, if maximum strength is needed or if non-surgical rotator cuff treatments aren't effective.

Non-Surgical Repair

• Rest, a sling and strengthening exercises may help healing.

  Non-surgical treatments of rotator cuff tears include rest, limiting activity and the use of a sling. Anti-inflammatory medication or steroids may be administered for rotator cuff repair, and strengthening exercises may be prescribed.

Arthroscopic Repair

• Your surgeon may use a video monitor to guide surgery.

  During arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, a fiber optic scope and thin instruments are fed through small incisions and the surgeon uses a video monitor to guide the surgery.

Mini-Open Repair

• New technology has led to the use of even smaller incisions for rotator cuff repair than those used in arthroscopic repair. Just a single incision of 4 to 6 centimeters may suffice for a complete repair.

Open Surgical Repair

• Open surgery may be necessary for reconstruction.

  Traditional open surgery may be required if your rotator cuff tear is complex or large, or if you need a shoulder replacement or other reconstructive surgery.