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What is arthroscopic rotator cuff repair?

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair means that the surgeon uses a camera, called an arthroscope, to guide the surgery. Sometimes this word is shortened to “scope,” which means the same thing in this context. An arthroscope is used so that the procedure is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. The instruments used are very small, and the surgeon sees them on camera and guides them with the help of the arthroscope. Depending on the location and specific type of rotator cuff injury, there are several different arthroscopic techniques that can be used.

The actual surgical procedure can include one or more of the following steps:

  • The edges of the torn tendon are brought together and re-attached to the bone with sutures.
  • Anchor clips of metal or plastic may be used, which stay in place.
  • The labrum, or cartilage along the shoulder joint, may also need repair. If so, this will be done.
  • If there is scar tissue or spurs on the bone, that may also be repaired.
  • Any other damaged or inflamed tissue around the joint may be repaired or removed.

Is rotator cuff surgery considered a major surgery?

How can you tell if your rotator cuff is torn or strained? (Where does it hurt with a torn rotator cuff?)

How long does it take to recover from arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery?

What happens if a torn rotator cuff goes untreated?

How can I make my rotator cuff heal faster?

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of plans including ACA compliant and excepted benefit plans. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

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