What to expect when I get a Shoulder Arthroscopy for a Rotator Cuff Tear

Understanding Shoulder Arthroscopy for Rotator Cuff Tears

Table of Contents:

• What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
• Common Causes and Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries
• How Shoulder Arthroscopy Repairs Rotator Cuff Tears
• Benefits of Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery
• What Recovery Looks Like After Shoulder Arthroscopy
• When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. These include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles.

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons becomes damaged or completely torn. This injury can cause pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder.

Common Causes and Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Causes:

1. Overuse or Repetitive Motion: Common in athletes and individuals with physically demanding jobs.
2. Age-Related Degeneration: Tendons naturally weaken with age, making them more prone to tears.
3. Acute Trauma: Falls, lifting heavy objects, or sudden shoulder movements can lead to injury.

Symptoms:

1. Persistent shoulder pain, especially when lifting or reaching
2. Shoulder weakness
3. Limited range of motion
4. Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
5. Clicking or popping sounds during shoulder movement
   
   

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, early evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is recommended.

Struggling with shoulder pain that won’t go away?

Schedule an evaluation with our orthopedic shoulder specialists at Somers Orthopaedics today and learn about your treatment options.

How Shoulder Arthroscopy Repairs Rotator Cuff Tears

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and repair rotator cuff tears.

During the procedure, your orthopedic surgeon makes small incisions around the shoulder and inserts a tiny camera called an arthroscope. This provides a clear, magnified view of the inside of your shoulder joint. Specialized instruments are then used to repair the torn tendon.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery

Compared to traditional open surgery, shoulder arthroscopy offers several important benefits:

• Smaller Incisions: Leading to less tissue damage and minimal scarring.
• Less Pain After Surgery: Most patients experience reduced postoperative discomfort.
• Faster Recovery: Patients may return to daily activities and advance their function sooner.
• Lower Risk of Infection: Smaller wounds reduce infection risk.
• Improved Surgical Precision: The arthroscope allows for enhanced visualization and accuracy during repair.

What Recovery Looks Like After Shoulder Arthroscopy

Recovery times can vary based on the size and severity of the rotator cuff tear.

First Few Weeks: You’ll wear a sling to protect the shoulder and may begin gentle, passive exercises.
6–12 Weeks: Physical therapy progresses to active motion and light strengthening.
3–6 Months: Most patients regain good shoulder function, with continued improvement in strength and flexibility.

Following your surgeon’s instructions, attending physical therapy appointments, and doing your exercises on your own are key factors in achieving the best possible outcome.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

If you’ve been experiencing shoulder pain, weakness, or limited motion that hasn’t improved with rest or physical therapy, it may be time to explore additional options, such as surgery.

At Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group, Dr. Daniel Howard and our experienced orthopedic team specialize in diagnosing and treating rotator cuff injuries using the latest minimally invasive techniques. 

About Dr. Daniel Howard

Dr. Daniel Howard is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine. Practicing at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group, he offers personalized care for knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip injuries, specializing in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures. Recognized as a 2024 NY Top Docs awardee, Dr. Howard is dedicated to helping athletes and active patients recover safely and return to their best performance.

Want to Learn More? Schedule an Appointment Today

Contact us to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward restoring your shoulder health. Click here to see a full list of our locations including Carmel, Newburgh, Mt. Kisco, Fishkill, Danbury.

Author

Daniel Howard, MD Daniel Howard, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty fellowship training in sports medicine. He provides individualized, compassionate care to patients at our offices in Mount Kisco, Fishkill, and Carmel, New York, and Danbury, Connecticut. Dr. Howard treats a wide variety of orthopaedic and sports-related issues of the knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip. He offers specialized treatment with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, as well as state-of-the-art technology including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatment. You can reach his office directly by calling 845-230-5171 and follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @DrHowardSports.