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What Is Rotator Cuff Surgery?

If you're having trouble lifting or rotating your arm, and it lasts for more than a few months, you may need rotator cuff surgery.

Rotator cuff surgery is the surgical repair of a damaged rotator cuff tendon. It's minimally invasive surgery where the rotator cuff tendons are sewn back to their attachment on the upper shoulder bone called the humerus.

Why Did Your Doctor Recommend Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Your doctor may have recommended rotator cuff surgery if:

The pain in your shoulder lasts for 6 to 12 months
You've lost shoulder strength, and it's painful to move
You have a tear in your rotator cuff tendon
You're active, and you rely on your shoulder strength for your job or to play sports

What Happens During Rotator Cuff Surgery?

A shoulder arthroscopy procedure is performed using a tiny camera called an arthroscope during a rotator cuff surgery. The arthroscope and other small instruments are inserted through a small incision through the skin to examine and repair the torn rotator cuff. If the rotator cuff needs to be repaired, your surgeon may need to do the following:

Bring the edges of the tendons together and attach the tendon to the bone with sutures.
Use small rivets (called suture anchors) to attach the tendon to the bone. The anchors may be made of metal or plastic and don't have to be removed after surgery.

What Happens After Rotator Cuff Surgery?

After the operation, you'll wake up in the hospital recovery area. You may still feel groggy or nauseous when the anesthesia eventually wears off. Most rotator cuff repairs are done on an outpatient basis allowing you to return to the comfort of your own home the same day of surgery.

Smiling person with towel on their shoulder | Capital Surgical Rotator Cuff Surgery Boise

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Shoulder recovery is a rehabilitation process. Recovering from rotator cuff surgery takes time. You'll probably be in a sling for about six weeks. This protects your shoulder and gives your rotator cuff time to heal. You shouldn't drive a car for at least a month.

It may take a few months before the pain goes away and your shoulder starts to feel better. Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage the pain.

Physical therapy will also be a major part of your recovery. Your doctor will either give you daily exercises to practice or have you work with a physical therapist.

Want to learn more about shoulder pain? Check out our resource guide on shoulder pain

According to data from Statista, in 2018, 24% of American adults had been diagnosed with a pain condition. Shoulder issues are common causes of such pain. Shoulder pain can be experienced due to many factors like accidents and conditions such as arthritis or referred pain.

Read The Guide to Shoulder Care

Contact Capital Surgical Associates

Capital Surgical Associates in Boise is a group of independent physicians united behind one common goal, providing the best orthopedic and surgical care possible. This demands the entire staff work together to put your health before financial gains. The surgeons who make up Capital Surgical Associates lead the industry by their example of excellence. Their vision was to help their patients through every phase of care, eliminate inconsistent care, and allow their doctors to monitor your progress from start to finish.

Capital Surgical Associates provides Boise with expert surgical care at an affordable price. The surgeons have privileges at Treasure Valley Hospital, and St. Alphonsus Medical Center, and St Luke's Medical Center in Boise. Patients can expect great orthopedic and general surgery care in a friendly and caring environment. The surgical specialties encompass knees, shoulders, back & spine, and many other areas of orthopedics.

If you think you may need rotator cuff surgery, contact us today. We are here to provide the best orthopedic and general surgical care in Boise.

Orthopedic Specialists at Capital Surgical Associates

Boise, Idaho

Our orthopedic specialists, Dr. Hessing, Dr. Applonie, and Dr. Neuschwander, are here to help if you are in pain from an injury or dealing with a chronic condition.

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