What is the purpose of rotator cuff surgery?

The purpose of rotator cuff surgery is to repair a damaged rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help to keep it stable. Rotator cuff surgery may be necessary to treat a variety of conditions, including:

* Rotator cuff tears: A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one or more of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. Rotator cuff tears can be caused by overuse, injury, or age-related wear and tear.

* Shoulder impingement: Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become trapped between the bones of the shoulder, causing pain and inflammation.

* Frozen shoulder: Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, making it difficult to move.

* Shoulder instability: Shoulder instability occurs when the shoulder joint is loose and unstable, making it prone to dislocation.

Rotator cuff surgery can help to relieve pain, improve function, and restore stability to the shoulder joint. The type of surgery that is performed will depend on the specific condition being treated.

Common types of rotator cuff surgery include:

* Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: This is the least invasive type of rotator cuff surgery and is performed using a small camera and specialized instruments.

* Open rotator cuff repair: This type of surgery is performed through a larger incision and is used for more extensive rotator cuff tears.

* Total shoulder replacement: This type of surgery is used to replace the damaged shoulder joint with an artificial joint.

The recovery time after rotator cuff surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery that is performed. However, most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few months.