Last Updated May 2011
Rotator cuff surgery is an intricate and highly technical procedure. As with all operations there are associated risks but major problems are very rare indeed.
The success rates of cuff surgery are high at approx 90% but can vary a little from surgeon to surgeon. A satisfactory result is defined as adequate pain relief, restoration or improvement of function, improvement in range of motion, and patient satisfaction with the procedure.
It is important to remember that, ultimately, no matter how good the surgeon, it is you the patient who is the key to success. What do I mean by that? Well, let's assume you have had surgery. What is the single most important factor affecting your rotator cuff surgery recovery?...You are!
If you do not adhere to a sensible rotator cuff surgery rehab program, then you will fail to capitalise upon all of your surgeon's hard work.
Surgery is generally only considered for a tear that does not respond to non surgical treatment. There is no evidence that suggests better results are obtained in early versus delayed repairs.
As a consequence many surgeons consider a trial of non surgical management to be appropriate. This will involve the use of physical therapy and exercise.
Rotator cuff surgery techniques and success rates
The three commonly used surgical techniques for rotator cuff repair are
· Open repair
· Mini-open repair
· All arthroscopic repair
Results are pretty much equal for open, mini-open, and arthroscopic repair techniques when considering:
· a. Patient satisfaction
· b. Pain relief
· c. Strength
What has been clearly demonstrated over and aver again is that a surgeon's expertise is the one key factor. This is so much more important in achieving a satisfactory result than the choice of technique employed. Each surgeon will undoubtedly have a preferred technique, so an experienced surgeon using their preferred method would be the ideal.
Surgery complications
There are very few cases recorded nowadays of people having a cuff repair that leads to life threatening situations developing. There are risks however. Studies have confirmed the following complications or risks associated with cuff surgery.
1. 6% Tendon re tear - The does not necessarily result in the return of pain or loss of function.
2. 1% Shoulder stiffness - Early rehabilitation intervention greatly reduces the risks.
3. 2% Nerve damage
4. 1% Deltoid muscle detachment
5. 1% Infection
Other factors that have a direct bearing on a successful outcome for surgery are
1. Poor tendon and tissue quality
2. Large or massive tears
3. Poor compliance with rotator cuff surgery rehab
4. Patient age i.e. over 65
It is always best to avoid surgery if at all possible. A host of procedures can be involved - a tear repair, decompression surgery rotator cuff tendons, bursectomy and more. Even if surgery is suggested, it is often delayed to allow a non surgical approach to be attempted.
If this is the case for you then, please, do the rehabilitation, it really does work.
There is one message that is consistently delivered by surgeons from all around the world. The best possible outcome is often not achieved purely because of a patient's poor compliance with surgery rehab programs. Find out more here at rotator cuff surgery.
Steve Kaiser has used exercise to treat his own rotator cuff symptoms. Learn how you could do the same at Rotator Cuff Therapy Exercises.
Click here for more articles by Steve Kaiser.