Patient Guide for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery is used to repair a torn shoulder tendon through small incisions. This guide explains how to prepare for surgery, what to expect in hospital, and the key steps during recovery.

Preparing for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair and Recovery

1.  Preparing for Surgery

• Medical Preparation:
  • Complete all pre-surgery tests (e.g., blood work, MRI, or ECG) as directed by your surgeon.
  • Discuss all medications with your doctor; you may need to stop blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Report any health conditions, allergies, or recent infections to your surgeon.
• Physical Preparation:
  • Perform pre-surgery exercises (if recommended) to maintain shoulder and arm strength, aiding recovery.
  • Practice daily tasks with your non-surgical arm, as your surgical arm will be restricted post-surgery.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and stop smoking to support healing.
• Home Preparation:
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home and assist for 1–2 days post-surgery.
  • Set up a recovery area with essentials (e.g., comfortable chair, pillows to support your arm).
  • Remove obstacles to prevent tripping and ensure easy access to essentials.
• Logistics:
  • Pack a small bag with loose, button-up shirts (easier to wear with a sling), toiletries, ID, and insurance details.
  • Follow fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight before surgery).

2.  About the Surgery and Potential Complications

• Procedure Overview:
  • Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair takes about 1–2 hours, usually under general anaesthesia.
  • The surgeon uses small incisions and an arthroscope (tiny camera) to repair the torn rotator cuff tendon with sutures or anchors, reattaching it to the bone.
  • The goal is to restore shoulder strength and reduce pain.
• Potential Complications (rare but possible):
  • Infection: Occurs in <1% of cases; treated with antibiotics or, rarely, additional surgery.
  • Stiffness: Frozen shoulder may develop if rehabilitation is not followed.
  • Re-tear: The repaired tendon may tear again, especially with early overuse(rare).
  • Nerve Damage: Rare, but may cause temporary numbness or weakness.
  • Blood Clots: Low risk; managed with early movement or medications.
  • Your surgical team will take steps to minimize these risks.

3.  What to Expect in the Hospital

• Length of Stay: Usually a day surgery, but some patients stay one night, depending on recovery.
• Post-Surgery:
  • You will wake in a recovery room, monitored for vital signs.
  • Pain will be managed with medications (e.g., oral painkillers or injections).
  • Your arm will likely be in a sling or immobilizer to protect the repair.
• Daily Routine:
  • Nurses will check your incision and ensure comfort.
  • Ice packs may be used to reduce swelling.
  • A physical therapist may show you gentle exercises (e.g., wrist or elbow movements) before discharge.
• Discharge Planning:
  • You will receive instructions on sling use, wound care, medications, and physical therapy.
  • Discharge occurs once you are alert, stable, and able to move safely.

4.  What to Expect After Discharge

• Recovery Timeline:
  • First 1–2 Weeks: Focus on rest, pain management, and keeping your arm in a sling.
  • Weeks 3–6: Begin passive physical therapy to restore range of motion; sling use may continue.
  • 2–4 Months: Progress to active exercises to regain strength; return to light activities.
  • 6–12 Months: Full recovery, including return to sports or heavy lifting, if cleared by your surgeon.
• At Home:
  • Pain and Swelling: Normal for 1–2 weeks; use prescribed pain medications and ice (20 minutes every 2–3 hours).
  • Mobility: Wear the sling as directed (often 4–6 weeks); avoid lifting or pushing with the surgical arm.
  • Physical Therapy: Start within 1–2 weeks; attend sessions (2–3 times per week) and do home exercises to prevent stiffness and build strength.
  • Wound Care: Keep incisions clean and dry; monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever).
• Lifestyle Adjustments:
  • Avoid lifting, pushing, or overhead movements until cleared (usually 3–6 months).
  • Use your non-surgical arm for daily tasks; consider adaptive tools (e.g., longhandled reacher).
  • Follow a balanced diet to support healing.
• Follow-Up:
  • Attend follow-up appointments (typically 1–2 weeks post-surgery) to monitor progress.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, severe pain, excessive swelling, or numbness.

Final Tips:

• Adhere to your physical therapy plan for optimal recovery.
• Be patient; shoulder recovery is gradual but can significantly improve function.
• Contact your healthcare team with any concerns.

Wishing you a successful surgery and smooth recovery!