Rotator Cuff Surgery Cost and Procedure Information

Rotator cuff repair surgery is a minimally invasive (arthroscopic) procedure used to repair a torn tendon in the shoulder. Rotator cuff repair may also be performed as an open surgery for larger tears. Both procedures are performed under general anesthetic. The arthroscopic method uses several small incisions to allow insertion of small thin tubes with video cameras (laparoscopes) and surgical instruments attached to perform the surgery. Patients typically come home the same day as the surgery. Patients typically reach full recovery after three months.

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Rotator Cuff Surgery Information & Details

Rotator Cuff Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction

The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder, can tear due to injury, repetitive motion from sports, and degeneration from aging. Surgery is necessary when more conservative treatments — physical therapy, steroid injections and anti-inflammatory medications — have failed to produce relief. A tendon tear will not heal on its own or with medication. Surgeons use this procedure to repair torn tendons in the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff repair surgery is usually an arthroscopic procedure performed through small incisions, using an instrument called an arthroscope. The arthroscope (or “scope”) is a tube that contains a camera and other surgical instruments. The open procedure is sometimes used for larger or more complex tears. Patients are under general anesthesia during this procedure. These procedures are usually performed in an outpatient surgical facility by an orthopedic surgeon. Patients are usually able to come home the day of the surgery, typically one to two hours after the procedure. Most patients can resume normal activities after the surgery, though the timeline varies depending on the severity of the tear—light activity within a couple weeks and strenuous activity within three to six months.

Patient Preparation for Shoulder Repair Surgery

A physical examination will be performed along with blood or other diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and MRIs. Your doctor will suggest some strength-building exercises before the surgery. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention and, finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You will need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.

What to Expect During and After Shoulder Repair Surgery

The surgery takes about an hour, depending on the severity of the tear. Open rotator cuff surgery may take longer. The preparation and recovery time may take several hours. After arriving at the surgical center and being taken back to the preop room, a nurse will insert an intravenous line into your arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. The procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. Rotator cuff repair surgery — open or arthroscopic — is performed by an orthopedic surgeon. After making the incision(s), the surgeon will locate the problem via a monitor attached to the camera in the scope or directly. The surgeon will then attach the torn tendon to the bone with metal suture anchors. When the repairs are finished, the incisions are closed — using stitches or steri-strips. Your shoulder will be wrapped in a soft bandage.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be discharged to your home. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain. Your arm may be in a sling to immobilize the shoulder for up to four to six weeks, and you can return strenuous activities within three to six months.