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Rotator cuff surgery

The rotator cuff refers to the tendons and muscles deep within the shoulder. They work with the deltoid muscle to help stabilise the ball and socket joint and move the arm.

A key symptom of a rotator cuff issue is pain on the side of the arm, particularly when the arm is raised or stretched out. You might also experience pain at night that wakes you from sleep.

If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder after an injury or you’ve noticed your shoulder weakening over time, talk to one of our specialist consultants. They can investigate the issue further and recommend the next course of action, which may involve surgery.

Discover the benefits of a specialist unit

Shorter waiting times: Shoulder pain can prevent you from doing the activities you love. With shorter waiting times for consultant appointments and diagnostics, we’re helping patients to move forward faster.

World-class surgeons: Our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons specialise in shoulder and elbow issues. Harnessing a wealth of expertise, the latest techniques and technologies, they aim to ensure you’re receiving the highest possible standard of care.

Enhanced recovery: If you do need rotator cuff surgery, your recovery will be supported by our team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They’re here to help you get back to the activities you love.

Biological solutions - REGENETEN surgery

Rotator cuffs commonly experience tears, most often caused by chronic wear and tear with degeneration of the tendon. Among the most common musculoskeletal conditions, rotator cuff tendon tears are therapeutically challenging for orthopeadic surgeons.

We offer the Regeneten biological surgery to treat rotator cuff tears. Introduced to the UK a year ago and developed by Smith & Nephew, it includes a bio-inductive implant that addresses both the biomechanics and biology required to heal a rotator cuff tear. The REGENETEN Bioductive Implant helps the tendon heal through the induction of new tendinous tissue growth. This treatment supports the body's natural healing response.

Your rotator cuff surgery questions answered

Issues in the rotator cuff are incredibly common, particularly as we age. In fact, it’s estimated that 70% of shoulder pain cases involve the rotator cuff. Below, we’ve answered some of the questions you might have about non-surgical and surgical interventions.

How does the rotator cuff become damaged?

Rotator cuff tendons can become damaged due to an injury or through wear and tear over time. The damage can cause pain and muscle weakness and limit the function of the arm.

There are two types of rotator cuff issues: Inflamed tendons (due to a sprain) and torn tendons. Torn tendons fall into two categories:

Acute: This is when the tendons have torn due to an injury, for example, if the shoulder has been pulled or overstretched.

Age-related/chronic: This is when the tendons have weakened due to the changes that occur when we age. These tears develop slowly and are not caused by an injury.

Surgery may be recommended for torn tendons because they are unable to heal on their own.

Choose Sulis Hospital for your rotator cuff surgery

We understand that shoulder pain can prevent you from doing the activities you love. That’s why we’re focussed on helping patients to get seen sooner, with shorter waiting times for specialist consultants and diagnostics.

One of the key benefits of choosing Sulis Hospital Shoulder and Elbow Unit is that you will be treated by specialists. By combining the expertise of a multidisciplinary team, including surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists, we’re able to deliver an exceptional standard of care

Treatment Overview

Combining a calming hospital environment with outstanding patient care so you can recover as quickly as possible.

  • Typical hospital stay Daycase

  • Type of anaesthetic General

  • Covered by health insurance? Yes

  • Can I pay privately? Yes

You’re in safe hands at Sulis Hospital.

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