Types of Surgery for a Shoulder Tear

A should tear is a common condition causing pain and disability among adults. It is sometimes called a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff includes four muscles and several tendons, and makes it possible for your arm to rotate.

Reasons for Surgery

• A shoulder tear may require surgery if the tear is recent and/or very painful, nonsurgical treatment didn't help, or the tear is in the shoulder of the person's dominant arm.

Surgery

• The type of should-tear surgery performed will depend on where the tear is located, its size and its shape. Most procedures will be performed as outpatient surgery.

Arthroscopic Repair

• The physician will insert a fiber-optic scope and small surgical instruments into small incisions. She uses a television monitor to see the shoulder tear and surgically repair it.

Mini-Open Repair

• Mini-open repair surgery is performed using newer techniques and instruments. This allows surgeons to repair a shoulder tear by making a very small incision, usually between 4 cm and 6 cm.

Open Surgical Repair

• Traditional surgery is needed if the shoulder tear is large or complex. You also may need it if reconstruction or replacement of the shoulder joint is necessary.