Rotator cuff surgery is the best option for people who cannot fully participate in normal, daily activities without experiencing shoulder pain. Rotator cuff surgery can be the most useful in relieving weakness in the shoulder area or if the tendons are being squeezed by moving through the normal range of motion.

For optimum success, rotator cuff surgery should be performed on a shoulder that has strong tendon tissue without much degeneration of the rotator cuff.

There are two different types of surgery for disorders of the rotator cuff. One is referred to as subacromial smoothing. This procedure removes scar tissue and damaged tendon and debris from the joint. The surgeon may also choose to remove small amounts of bone from the underside of the joint.

The rotator cuff repair procedure involves sewing a torn tendon or tendons back to the arm bone. This type of rotator cuff surgery can restore some strength and movement but it may not be able to restore absolute full strength or range of motion to the shoulder area.

In considering rotator cuff surgery, one should be experiencing severe shoulder weakness, stiffness or locking of the shoulder joint. When these kinds of symptoms have not improved after prolonged physical therapy sessions, then rotator cuff surgery may be the best option.

Many injuries, such as sudden tears, sustained from sports injuries or auto accidents are best treated by with early surgery. In some cases, if the tear is large or affects more than one of the four rotator cuff tendons the injury cannot be fully restored. Rotator cuff surgery may help in relieving the pain by removing the damaged tissue from the joint.

Surgical repair of the rotator cuff may not be successful if the tendons are weak and frayed. Even after the surgery, it is highly advisable to avoid lifting heavy objects or doing throwing movements.

Any kind of surgery performed carries a certain percentage of risk with it. Rotator cuff surgery is no different. There is a risk of infection with the surgery, slow healing followed by periods of stiffness, and a potential for additional surgery. It is important to assess all risk and weigh it against the need for the rotator cuff surgery.