Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff involves re-attaching the tendon to the head of the humerus (upper arm bone). The rotator cuff tendons cover the head of the humerus, helping you to raise and rotate your arm. A tear is repaired by placing anchors in the bone and stitching the tendon back to the original site from which it tore away.
Rotator Cuff Surgical Repair in Perth WA
Arthroscopic (keyhole surgery) Rotator Cuff Repair Perth
During arthroscopy (pinhole surgery) a small camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted into your shoulder joint. The camera displays pictures of your shoulder on a television monitor and allows me to see the structures of your shoulder in great detail. Small incisions are made to insert the other surgical instruments.
These smaller incisions are less painful than the traditional large open incisions- allowing faster rotator cuff recovery and reducing the risk of complications such as infection.
The torn tendon is mobilised and then sutured down onto the bone using specific bone anchors.
You may have other shoulder problems in addition to a rotator cuff tear, such as biceps tendon tears, acromioclavicular (AC) joint osteoarthritis, bone spurs, or other soft tissue tears. During the operation in Perth or Albany Western Australia, I will be able to take care of these shoulder problems, as well.
Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery
How long is a hospital stay after rotator cuff surgery?
Usually, you will stay in hospital one night. A physiotherapist will visit you the morning after the surgery when you are in hospital.
Will I need to wear an arm sling after rotator cuff surgery?
You will need to wear a sling for 6 weeks after the operation. You can bring your arm out of the sling to do your exercises.
Post-operation shoulder wound care
The wound should be kept dry until the 2-week mark.
What pain relief treatment after rotator cuff surgery?
After surgery, you will feel pain. This is a natural part of the healing process. Take regular Paracetamol (Panadol 1g 3-4 times/day) and anti-inflammatories (Celecoxib 100mg twice daily with food). Use the stronger painkillers (Tapentadol or Oxycodone) as required in the first few days. The pain will settle down after the first few days
When should a rotator cuff surgery follow-up appointment be made in Perth?
Your follow-up appointment will be about 2 weeks after the surgery. At this visit your wounds will be checked and staples will be removed.
Post Rotator Cuff Operation Physiotherapy in Perth/WA
Specific physiotherapy is not needed for the first 2 weeks following the surgery. The exercises that you were shown in hospital are all that is required. After 2 weeks, it is important to see a physiotherapist. This will be required for about 3 to 6 months from the time of surgery.
How long does it take to recuperate from rotator cuff surgery?
It takes 6 months for the rotator cuff tendon to heal. You should not do any heavy lifting, or strenuous work with your shoulder for the full 6 months.
Rotator Cuff Surgery Complications
After rotator cuff surgery, a small percentage of patients experience complications. I will discuss these with you prior to your surgery. In addition to the risks of surgery in general, such as blood loss or problems related to anaesthesia, complications of rotator cuff surgery may include:
- Infection. Patients are given antibiotics during the procedure to lessen the risk of infection.
- Stiffness. Early rehabilitation lessens the likelihood of permanent stiffness or loss of motion. Most of the time, stiffness will improve with more aggressive therapy and exercise.
- Tendon re-tear. There is a chance for re-tear following all types of repairs. The larger the tear, the higher the risk of re-tear. Following the rehabilitation protocol and advice minimizes this risk.
Shoulder Rehabilitation Perth
Post Rotator Cuff Shoulder Surgery Perth Rehabilitation Exercises
These videos have been produced in collaboration with Perth Sports Physio to help you with your shoulder rehabilitation in Perth/Western Australia. You should be doing these exercises 3-5 times a day. You should do 1-2 circuits each time.
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WA Orthopaedic Consulting Rooms
Perth
St John of God
Medical Clinic
Suite 213
25 McCourt Street,
Subiaco WA 6008
Albany
Great Southern
Specialist Centre,
55 Cockburn Rd ,
Mira Mar WA 6330
Phone: 08 9489 8733
Email: blakeney@wcortho.com.au
Fax: 08 9489 8735
Perth Orthopaedic Operating Theatres
St John of God Hospital
12 Salvado Rd, Subiaco WA 6008