Are you researching rotator cuff repair surgery? In this video, consultant orthopaedic surgeon Andrew Chambler from The Bath Clinic shares important information about what to expect from rotator cuff repair surgery.

-- LINKS --
For more information on shoulder pain visit - www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/health-matters/health-…
To search for a consultant near you - www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/find-an-appointment

– CHAPTERS --
00:00 - 00:44 - Introduction
00:44 - 01:07 - Conservative Treatments
01:07 - 02:12 - Is Surgery Right For You?
02:12 - 03:21 - What is Rotator Cuff Tear?
03:22 - 05:22 - What is a Rotator Cuff Repair?
05:22 - 08:31 - Recovery From Shoulder Surgery
08:31 - 09:28 - Outro

Your shoulder is a fairly complex joint. If you look at the anatomy of the glenohumeral (GHJ) joint you’ll see that it’s a ball a socket joint that provides a particularly wide range of movement. The joint is surrounded by a tough fiberous sleeve called the capsule which helps hold the joint together.Above the ball and socket joint is a ligament which is attached to a bony prominence on the top of the shoulder blade - this forms an arch over the shoulder joint. This area above the shoulder joint and below the arch is known as the subacromial space. The group of muscles that control your joint here (point) are known as the rotator cuff. They attach from the shoulder blade onto the top of the humeral head, passing through the subacromial space - and one of these tendons (supraspinatus) sits in the middle of the subacromial space. A small fluid lining called the bursa which cushions this tendon from the under the surface of the arch.

The aim of the surgery is to reduce pain and to get your shoulder functioning back the way it should so you can go about living life normally again.
The surgery is usually performed arthroscopically or more commonly known as ‘keyhole technique’ (where a camera is placed inside the joint) however sometimes it may be done as an Open procedure or a combination of the two, called a Mini-open repair. Where possible we’ll aim to do it with the smallest incisions possible, which results in less pain for you afterwards and means your period of recovery is shorter.

The rotator cuff repair itself involves stitching the torn tendon back to where it should be connected at the top of the arm bone - the humerus - using sutures and bone anchors. Advances in the ways we can repair tendons are getting more and more sophisticated. Here at Circle Health Group, mechanical repair can also be supported biologically by using new collagen implants which stimulate the tendon tissue to heal.

Recovery from shoulder surgery requires your commitment and dedication to make sure your shoulder recovers as best as possible. You’re signing up for a full time job of healing and exercise! And, we’re going to explain why.

Immediately after surgery, you’ll feel some numbness in your shoulder as the anesthetic wears off, that will last around 24 hours. You’ll have your arm in a sling to make moving around easier. You’ll feel some pain and discomfort in your shoulder for at least a few days after surgery. This can be managed with traditional painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Straight away your physiotherapist will show you exercises that will keep swelling down and avoid stiffness. You will usually be able to leave hospital and return home after around one to two days after your operation - and of course, we’ll make sure you have the tools and information to continue these exercises at home.

About eight to 12 weeks after surgery, you should be well on the way to a full recovery and be able to go through a normal day with ease. A full recovery will probably take you more like six to 12 months and through out this time you should continue to look after and strengthen your shoulder with physio and avoiding damage.

If you have any of the symptoms outlined in this video, seek professional medical help immediately.

Do you want to hear more about shoulder pain, or other orthopaedic conditions? Leave a comment below and we will plan future videos on suggested topics.

To see how The Bath Clinic can help you - www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/hospitals/bath-clinic

To read more on Andrew Chambler - www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/consultants/andrew-cha…

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