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Shoulder Manipulation Surgery & Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulders are common conditions that often require surgery to correct. Surgery can help to restore pain-free function and range-of-motion in the shoulder.

  1. Frozen Shoulder

    • A frozen shoulder causes pain and severe stiffness in the shoulder. This condition is more common in people between 40 and 60 years of age. Non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, may be prescribed. If non-surgical methods are unsuccessful in restoring pain-free motion, surgical manipulation surgery may be recommended.

    Function

    • Frozen shoulder surgery consists of stretching the affected shoulder in order to release the contracted joint. This is done under general anesthesia. Another procedure to release a frozen shoulder is arthroscopy. With this procedure, the surgeon will make several small incisions in the shoulder. Using a camera, the surgeon will cut through the contracted portion of the joint. Recovery time varies with the surgical procedure, often lasting between six weeks and three months.

    Rotator Cuff Repair

    • The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that cover the top of the shoulder bone (humerus). The function of the rotator cuff is to hold the shoulder joint in place and help the arm to rotate. The rotator cuff can be damaged over many years of wear and tear, or in a single accident. Rotator cuff injuries are most common in people older than 40 years of age. If non-surgical treatments are not successful in relieving pain and restoring shoulder function, then surgery may be recommended.

    Function

    • The type of rotator cuff repair that is done depends on the size and location of the injury. Minor tears may require only a debridement, in which the area is smoothed or trimmed. A complete rotator cuff tear may require suturing the tendon back together. Most rotator cuff surgeries are done on an outpatient basis, and the doctor may recommend physical therapy to help restore shoulder function. A complete recovery from this type of surgery may take several months.

    Risks

    • There are risks associated with any type of surgery. These risks may include bleeding, infection, failed surgery or problems with general anesthesia. Consult your doctor prior to surgery to discuss these risks.

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