Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

Your shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion of any other joint in your body. Although that allows you to do many things, it also makes your shoulder susceptible to injuries, like rotator cuff tears. Often but not always related to repeated overhead motions, rotator cuff tears can cause serious shoulder pain and make simple tasks difficult to perform.

If a torn rotator cuff interferes with your life, you may be a candidate for rotator cuff repair surgery. At Beaufort Memorial, our orthopedic surgeons specialize in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, a minimally invasive surgical treatment that can help you get back in motion.

Call 843-522-7435 to discuss your shoulder pain symptoms, or request an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons.

Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder in its socket. Tears can happen suddenly or develop gradually due to aging or overuse. Every year, roughly 2 million people seek medical help for rotator cuff issues, including rotator cuff tears.

Common symptoms of a torn rotator cuff include:

• Cracking sounds, also called crepitus, that occur when you move your shoulder
• Persistent pain, either moving or at rest, particularly at night when lying on the injured shoulder
• Weakness when moving your arm

Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears

Nonsurgical treatments, including rest, physical therapy or anti-inflammatory injections, can help alleviate pain associated with mild rotator cuff tears. However, you may need surgery if the pain worsens and you are unable to perform daily activities.

Beaufort Memorial orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopic surgical techniques to repair torn rotator cuffs. Arthroscopy involves specialized, miniature instruments, including a small camera called an arthroscope, that allow your surgeon to repair the injury accurately while sparing healthy surrounding tissue.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair may offer you a variety of benefits compared with open surgery, including:

• Easier rehabilitation
• Faster healing time
• Fewer complications
• Less postoperative pain
• Less scarring
• More shoulder flexibility and function
• Quicker return to the life you love

At Beaufort Memorial, we usually perform arthroscopy on an outpatient basis, allowing you to leave the hospital the same day and recover comfortably at home.

For more severe rotator cuff tears, we also offer shoulder replacement and a dedicated team to support you every step of the way.

Following surgery, our outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation program is key to a smooth recovery. Our skilled physical and occupational therapists will work with you to create a personalized plan designed to help strengthen your shoulder and restore as much motion as possible. Your team will share progress updates with your physician until you’re back to a pain-free routine.