Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive surgical method for repairing a torn shoulder tendon. It is typically performed with the patient under general or regional anesthesia, and requires three or four very small incisions through which the physician operates using an arthroscope. A tiny camera at the end of the arthroscope provides visualization of the shoulder interior on a computer screen, while instruments inserted through the other incisions are used to reattach tendons to the bone using suture anchors. Upon completion of the repair, the incisions are closed and dressed. Candidates for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair include those with major or complete tendon tears, tears caused by trauma and those who have not previously experienced rotator cuff tears due to previous injuries.