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Rotator Cuff

What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons. The muscles attach at the shoulder blade (scapula) and extend out to form a cuff around the shoulder joint and insert at the upper portion of the arm (humerus). These four muscles are the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and teres minor and they help to elevate and rotate the arm. In addition, these muscles help to stabilize the ball of the shoulder joint (humeral head) in the shallow socket of the shoulder blade (glenoid). The rotator cuff works especially hard to stabilize the shoulder when the arm is in the overhead position. This is why overhead activities can cause pain in someone with a rotator cuff injury.

What is a rotator cuff injury?

Most rotator cuff injuries are an inflammation of the tendon called tendonitis. The tendon gets overworked or sometimes gets pinched between the bones of the shoulder and becomes inflamed; this term is “impingement syndrome.” Additionally, there is a bursa that lies between the rotator cuff and the bone of the scapula (acromion). This bursa is a fluid-filled sac that reduces the friction between the tendon and the acromion. Sometimes this subacromial bursa becomes inflamed along with the tendon, a condition called “bursitis.”

Sometimes the tendonitis will progress to the point that the tendon becomes frayed or torn. Rotator cuff tears can be partial thickness tears and only go part way through the tendon. Full thickness tears extend all the way through the tendon, and the tendon is detached from the bone. Once a rotator cuff tear has occurred they do not heal.

How is the rotator cuff injured?

Most commonly, the rotator cuff tendons wear and weaken with use until they eventually tear. A tendon that already has some “wear and tear” or a small amount of trauma from a pulling or lifting injury can lead to a full thickness rotator cuff tear. A severe traumatic injury, such as an accident or fall, may also cause a tear.

Rotator cuff tears occur most commonly in patients age 50 and older, and in people who play sports or perform a lot of overhead work.

What are symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?

Injuries to the rotator cuff most typically cause pain, especially with overhead activities. Rotator cuff tears or injuries cause shoulder pain at night and lead to difficulty sleeping. Most patients that have a rotator cuff injury will complain of pain on the lateral or side of the shoulder. With large rotator cuff tears, you may notice weakness in performing overhead activities. You may also have pain with normal daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and reaching outward.

Do I need an X-ray, MRI, or any other test?

A set of x-rays is usually ordered to evaluate the bones around the shoulder. The bone above the rotator cuff, called the acromion, can be hooked or have a bone spur, which leads to pinching and irritation of the rotator cuff. X-rays are also used to evaluate for arthritis of the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) and acromioclavicular joint (AC joint). An MRI arthrogram may be ordered if a rotator cuff tear is suspected or if the patient is not improving with conservative treatment.

Is there other damage to the shoulder when the rotator cuff is injured?

Frequently, other damage to the shoulder can occur with rotator cuff injuries. The biceps tendon, which runs from the muscle in the front of the arm to the top of the shoulder joint, can become frayed or torn. You can also tear the labrum which is a fibrous ring of tissue that surrounds the shoulder socket. Additionally, the acromioclavicular joint, the joint on top of the shoulder, can become damaged or arthritic. Arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint commonly occurs along with rotator cuff injuries or tears.

What are the rotator cuff tear treatment options?

Many patients with a rotator cuff injury improve with conservative treatment. The treatment includes exercises, use of anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and possibly an injection of steroids (cortisone injection). The exercises may be a program you can do at home or more commonly, a formal physical therapy program. A cortisone injection is commonly used in patients that do not get better with therapy or in severe cases. Many patients get better with these treatments and do not need surgery. If patients do not get better with conservative therapy or have an acute rotator cuff tear, surgery may be necessary.

What is rotator cuff surgery?

Most rotator cuff tears can be repaired with arthroscopic surgery. The arthroscope is a fiber-optic instrument (narrower than a pen) that is put into the joint through small incisions. A camera is attached to the arthroscope which allows the surgeon to fully evaluate the entire shoulder joint, including the ligaments, the rotator cuff, the labrum, and the cartilage surfaces. Small instruments ranging from 3-5 millimeters in size are inserted through the incisions to enable the surgeon to feel the joint structures for any damage, diagnose the injury and then repair, reconstruct, or remove the damaged tissue.

For cases involving bad tendonitis or partial thickness rotator cuff injuries, the entire procedure is done with the arthroscope. The underside of the acromion is shaved down (an acromioplasty or decompression), which allows the rotator cuff to glide better and not get pinched. If the rotator cuff is frayed, it is cleaned up (debrided).

For cases involving full thickness rotator cuff tears, the tear can sometimes be repaired completely arthroscopically. The bone is prepared for the tendon to be reattached, and then metal anchors (titanium suture anchors) are placed in the bone, which contains sutures. These sutures are then weaved through the tendon and the tendon is mobilized back to its bony attachment. These metal anchors are deep in the bone and do not need to be removed.

If the tear is large or longstanding, the surgery in rare cases needs to be performed with an open incision. This incision is made in the area of the rotator cuff on the side of the shoulder, and the repair is performed with suture anchors and bone tunnels. This “belts and suspenders” repair is the strongest repair that can be performed. This is called a “mini-open” rotator cuff repair.

What are possible rotator cuff surgery complications?

While complications are not common, all surgery has associated risk. Possible complications include stiffness of the shoulder after surgery or recurrent pain. Other complications include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or problems with the anesthesia.

How to prepare for rotator cuff surgery?

Our staff will help to set up the surgery through your insurance company and will instruct you on any paperwork that may be necessary. If you are over the age of 50 or have significant health conditions, you may require an EKG and chest X-ray. You may also need to see your internist or family doctor to obtain a Letter of Medical Clearance. The day before the surgery, a member of the hospital or surgery center staff will contact you about what time to arrive for surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery.

How long will I be in the hospital?

Almost all patients are able to have surgery and go home the same day.

What happens on the day of rotator cuff surgery?

When you arrive at the surgery center, you will be admitted and taken to a pre-operative holding area where you are prepared for surgery. You will be asked several times which extremity the surgeon will be operating on, this question is asked many times on purpose. Anesthesia will be administered and the surgery is then performed.

After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room to be monitored. Once the effects of the anesthesia have worn off and your pain is under control, you will be given your post-operative instructions and a prescription for pain medication. Please be aware that the process of checking in, preparing for surgery, undergoing the operation, and recovering from the anesthesia takes the majority of the day. It is recommended that your driver bring some reading material for the duration.

What should I do for rotator cuff surgery aftercare?

Prior to your discharge, you will be given specific instructions on how to care for your shoulder. In general, you can expect the following:

Bandage: 
You will have a thick dressing on your shoulder. The physical therapist will take off your dressing on your first therapy visit 2-3 days after your surgery. You may get the shoulder wet after the dressing is removed.

Diet: 
Resume your regular diet as soon as tolerated. It is best to start with clear liquids before advancing to solid food.

Medication: 
You will be given a prescription for pain medication before you go home.

Sling: 
You will have a sling, which you will use for the first 2-4 weeks. You can remove the sling for showering and performing your home exercise program.

Ice:
You may be given a continuous cold therapy unit for your shoulder. It is a pad that sits on your shoulder and provides cold to your shoulder. If not, you should apply ice over the dressing for 30 minutes every 1-2 hours for several days. Do not use heat the first week after surgery.

Suture Removal: 
In general, the sutures are absorbable and need not be removed. Occasionally, there are non-absorbable sutures, and they will be removed on your first post-operative visit.

Follow-up office visit: 
You will be instructed on when to follow-up in the office. This is usually 2 weeks after surgery.

Exercise: 
You will be instructed on exercises you can begin the day after your surgery. You will start formal physical therapy 2-3 days post-op.

CPM: 
Sometimes the physician will order the use of a CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) Chair at home to help with range of motion. A technician will come to your house and give you instructions on its use. This is an important instrument in restoring full motion to your shoulder.

Return to school or work: 
You can return to school or work when your pain is under control, and you can manage your daily activities. If you need to use the arm to return, you may be out of school or work for a longer period of time.

What will rehabilitation involve?

The rehabilitation is based on several goals:

  1. Allowing the tissue to heal
  2. Regaining your range of motion
  3. Regaining strength
  4. Returning to full duty at work or returning to sports

When can I return to sports?

In general, you will be allowed to return to sports in 4-6 months after surgery. You must have good motion, strength, and control of your shoulder and arm. How quickly you return to sports depends on several factors, including:

  1. Your own rate of healing
  2. The damage found at surgery
  3. If you have any complications (like stiffness)
  4. How well you follow the post-operative instructions
  5. How hard you work in rehabilitation

When can I return to full duty at work?

In general, the physician keeps people on clerical duties for 3 months after the surgery, which means no lifting with your operated arm. This is to protect the repair. In the 3rd and 4th month you may perform light duty meaning lifting no more than 10 pounds. People generally get back to performing full duty at work from 4-6 months.

What is the rotator cuff surgery success rate?

The success rate for a rotator cuff repair ranges from 85% to 95% for attaining pain relief. If weakness is a significant problem, the results for regaining strength can be more variable.

Rotator Cuff Pain Relief St. Louis

Mark Miller, MD is committed to you — the patient. It is understandable to be anxious about your injury and the need for surgery. As one of the leading shoulder specialists and orthopedic surgeons in the St. Louis area, Dr. Mark Miller has expertly managed rotator cuff treatment for countless patients. You can trust us to answer all questions and provide you with the highest-quality care.

Schedule an appointment to begin managing your rotator cuff injury with a personalized treatment plan!

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