Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Shoulders are important cogs in the wheel when it comes to any lifting or rotating work that the arms perform. Reaching out to the shelf to pick a book or playing squash with your friend involves the shoulder bones & muscles. An injury to the rotator cuff can be cured through Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in India.  

What is a rotator cuff?

A rotator cuff is a combination of muscles & tendons that securely places the head of your upper arm bone in the shoulder socket. A rotator cuff injury is not uncommon. Though aged people are more prone to such injuries, it can also affect the younger generation. The nature of your occupation plays a significant part in this. If you are engaged in a role that requires stretching your arms upward or behind the back then you are susceptible to a rotator cuff tear. The most commonly affected people are associated with sports like swimming, basketball, tennis, badminton, etc.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury

You can experience any of the following symptoms that may suggest an injury to your rotator cuff.

• Persistent pain in the shoulder area
• Sleeplessness or uneasiness while sleeping
• Difficulty in combing your hair
• Strain in reaching behind your back
• Sustained weakness in your arms

There are non-surgical remedial measures for a rotator cuff trauma, such as:

• Prescribed or even OTC medication
• Limiting the repetitive actions of the shoulder, particularly avoiding sports that necessitates such movement
• Monitored or guided stretching of the arm

However, if there’s a tear that doesn’t heal after trying any of the above methods, then surgery might be the best alternative.

Types of rotator cuff repair surgery

• Open rotator cuff repair surgery
• Semi/ Partial open repair surgery
• Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff repair surgery

What is Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff repair surgery?

Among the three surgical procedures, Arthroscopic Cuff repair requires a very minor incision. This process is generally recommended for small to medium tears (3 cm or even smaller). However, advanced techniques and equipment enable orthopedic surgeons to take on more complex cases using Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in India. In this procedure, a surgeon experienced in arthroscopic principles & techniques undertakes to carry out a precision-focused surgery with minimal invasion. The surgery attempts to achieve a complete recovery. It's a common misunderstanding that large injuries can't be healed through this procedure. However, the intrinsic nature of the surgery enables the surgeon to have a very clear view of the tear. Thus, he can tackle large tears as well. The general procedure is as follows;

1. First, the nature of the tear is identified. In the debridement process, the loose, worn-out tissues surrounding the edge of the cuff are repaired.
2. With the mobilization technique, the cuff edge tear is reversed to its normal position without exerting unnecessary tension. For large tears, the margin convergence procedure is used.
3. Special suture anchors are used to finally sew the tears and place the rotator cuff safely in the shoulder bone.

Post-surgery recovery

The recovery process depends on the type of anesthetic given prior to the surgery. The blood circulation and feelings in the arm are closely monitored. Along with these, if the essential symptoms like blood pressure, pulse & breathing are normal, you will be discharged in due course. Often surgeons advise using an arm sling post-surgery to prevent any unwanted movement. Your doctor or hospital staff will give you post-recovery instructions to be followed at home. This includes bathing techniques and more. The stitches are usually removed after a follow-up visit, as mandated by your surgeon. Take prescribed pain killers to reduce post-trauma soreness or pain. Unsolicited use of aspirin or other OTC medicines can result in excessive bleeding. There could be some swelling in the operated area. You can use ice packs several times a day to reduce inflammation & pain. Also, it's important to keep using the sling till the doctor advises otherwise. Gradually through guided exercise, you can get the strength in your arm & shoulder back. To restart all other movements of the shoulder and particularly sporting activities, usually take about 6 months time. Refrain from driving till the doctor allows it. In case any of the following symptoms persist, then contact your doctor or hospital.

• Recurring fever or temperature not going down even after taking the prescribed painkillers.
• If there’s bleeding or any other secretion from the operated area
• If the pain continues for several days after the surgery
• Loss of sensation in the arm or a tingling sensation occurs

Associated Risks

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in India is one of the safest surgical procedures for rotator cuff injuries requiring surgical intervention. Like most surgical processes, the risk of infection is always there. However, the instances are rare. In some cases, the infection happens due to suture material used during the surgery. You can experience bleeding or sustained pain, or another tear that may necessitate a second surgery. Contact Tripoheal for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in India.