Cost of rotator cuff arthroscopic repair in Illinois

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?

Most arthroscopic rotator cuff surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis as same-day surgery if the patient is otherwise healthy. General anesthesia and a local anesthetic may be used, so the day will include some time to recover from anesthesia. The patient will need a companion to drive home and stay with them the first night.

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

Patients with rotator cuff injuries usually describe the pain as a dull ache deep in the shoulder. This pain can present problems performing activities of daily living such as combing the hair, showering, and reaching items on high shelves.

The most common rotator cuff tear symptoms are:

• Pain when the joint is at rest, even at night when trying to sleep.
• Pain when trying to lift or when lowering your arm. Some will notice pain with only specific movements, such as raising arms above their head.
• Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm. The affected arm will be noticeably weaker than the other.

Crepitus – this is a popping or crackling sensation (think Rice Krispies) when moving the shoulder in a certain position.

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

It is important to realize that every person’s recovery plan looks different. However, there are some general guidelines.  

After surgery, the shoulder will be in a sling, with movement very limited. The sling may also be attached at the waist to prevent raising the arm. There will also be a dressing or wrap covering the surgical incisions. This dressing and sling usually need to stay on for seven days. Other activity that does not move the arm is ok and moving around is recommended. Some people who have jobs that do not require movement from the affected arm may go back to work in some capacity. During the first seven days, you will not be able to drive or operate machinery because of your restricted movement and response time. You may also be on pain medications.

You will likely see your surgeon in the office at the 7-day mark and the shoulder dressing will be removed. 

If healing is going well and pain is well controlled, you may be given a less-restrictive sling to wear for about three more weeks. At four weeks post-op, life may be mostly back to normal, but you will need to be careful not to strain the shoulder or do things that are high impact, like sports and running for the first three months.

During the recovery period, you may receive a list of exercises to do that will strengthen your shoulder and the muscles around it. It is important to always follow your doctor’s instructions and promptly report anything out of the ordinary, such as bleeding, swelling, heat on the incision site, or excessive pain.

What happens if a torn rotator cuff goes untreated?

Not every rotator cuff injury requires surgery. Some injuries can heal on their own with rest, pain management, and physical therapy. If this more conservative treatment is recommended, it can avoid potential risks of surgery, such as infection, stiffness, anesthesia complications, and recovery downtime. The disadvantages of healing a tear on its own are that the injury may again worsen over time, and activities may be limited for quite some time.

If a severe injury that requires surgery is not treated, then the effects can be life-altering. Chronic shoulder pain can be debilitating, affecting sleep, family time, career choices, and even simple daily tasks.

As more time passes, scar tissue can build up in the joint, causing even more restricted movement and requiring more extensive surgery to remove. Arthroscopic surgery may no longer be possible, with the only choice being a more invasive, open shoulder surgery. Open surgery requires a few days in the hospital and a longer recovery time.

How can I make my rotator cuff heal faster?

Healing takes time, but you can support your body in ways that make it work more efficiently.  

• Good nutrition can help with healing, including a high-protein diet. Protein is required as the building block of muscle development and keeping a steady diet of lean proteins is just part of a good nutrition plan.
• A daily multivitamin is also helpful and can provide any needed nutrients that you aren’t getting as part of your diet.  
• Drink plenty of water to flush your body of toxins and anesthesia. Keeping your body hydrated also helps with healing.
• Rest and don’t push yourself too hard. You will be more tired than normal, and that is ok. This is your body telling you when it needs to rest.
• Slowly increase your activity, such as taking a walk each day.  
• If you find you have bowel changes as a result of pain medication or inactivity, start taking a stool softener and a probiotic. Lots of water also helps with this.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery is a decision that may be the best option for restoring your shoulder mobility. If so, it is important to be informed, go in with realistic expectations, and look forward to better days ahead with easier movement and much less pain.