Rotator cuff surgery

Your consultant will want to understand the history of the pain you are experiencing and see you in person for a physical examination. They may then refer you for advanced diagnostics, such as an MRI, which we offer here at Sulis Hospital.

Not every rotator cuff issue requires surgery. Your consultant will consider many factors, including your age and how severe the tear is, before recommending an intervention.

Some patients find that non-surgical interventions are helpful – these can include steroid injections and physiotherapy. However, if the scans show that the tendons have torn or non-surgical approaches have been exhausted, then surgery may be the recommended course of action.

Our team of specialists will ensure that you are fully prepared before the procedure. It is important to tell your consultant about any medications or supplements you might be taking, as they may recommend that you pause these ahead of surgery.

Most patients are asked not to eat anything for at least 8 hours before surgery. You will also need to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital, as you won’t be able to drive.

Rotator cuff surgery is typically performed as a day-patient procedure, which means there is no overnight stay. You will either be under a general anaesthetic (sedated) or a local/regional anaesthetic.

The procedure can be performed arthroscopically (a type of keyhole surgery), a minimally invasive technique. The aim is to make more space for the tendons by removing the inflamed tissue and to reattach the torn tendons to the bone bed.

Your surgery may also involve the use of bioinductive implants (collagen tissue), a new technique that promotes healing. The advantage of a biological approach is that it can enhance recovery and help patients to return to their activities faster.

Most patients can return home on the same day as their surgery. Before you leave the hospital, our physiotherapists will demonstrate the exercises you can do straight away to start your rehabilitation.

Patients usually begin their recovery wearing a sling. You may be given a nerve block (an anaesthetising injection) to help with any initial pain and regular painkillers to take while you recover.

Most patients remove their slings after 2-3 weeks. At this point, you will have an appointment with a physiotherapist who will make sure your rehabilitation is on track. After 2-3 months, you will have a follow-up appointment with your consultant to see how you are progressing. Making a full recovery typically takes between 9-12 months.

No surgery is without risk and for rotator cuff surgery, complications can include infection, nerve damage at the surgical site, bleeding and blood clots. There is also the risk that the surgery won’t help with your pain or restore the function of your shoulder.

If the tendon tear is particularly large, it may not be possible to reattach it using arthroscopic surgery without a higher risk of failure. In this instance, your consultant may recommend using a donor graft. Your consultant will discuss the treatment options, risks and limitations of surgery with you during your consultation.

You may be covered by private medical insurance, or you may wish to consider spreading the cost of your surgery by opting for a monthly payment plan.

We aim to make our costs as transparent as possible, but it’s important to talk everything through in detail with your consultant at the time of your appointment. Some costs may be paid directly to the hospital, while others, such as your consultant fees, may be paid directly to the consultant.