Rotator Cuff Tear

 Rotator Cuff Tear:

This is probably the second most common injury of the shoulder I see.  The deep layer of shoulder muscles is called the rotator cuff.  People can tear one or more of these tendons leading to pain and weakness.  Patients describe this pain as a sharp or achy pain that emanates from the lateral side of the shoulder.  

We use an arthroscopic technique to repair the torn tendon.  We place bone anchors with sutures that secure the torn tendon back to the original position on the bone.  The tendon is held there by the suture tape while it heals.  It takes about 12 weeks for the tendon to fully adhere to the bone.