You are trying to load the Human Atlas. Either you do not have the newest version of Adobe Flash®, or you have JavaScript disabled, both of which are required to use this system.
With access to 900+ MedStar Georgetown University Hospital physicians, our nurse counselors can schedule your appointment or referral, and provide you with insightful information about our expert physicians.
Call us today at 202-342-2400 or toll free at 866-745-2633 Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Please click here for more information.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder. These muscles and tendons hold the arm in its "ball and socket" joint and are involved in essentially all shoulder motions.
Indications
The role of the tendons is to hold the powerful shoulder muscles to the shoulder and arm bones. The tendons can be torn from overuse or injury.
Procedure
Either through an open incision or using small instruments through tiny incisions (arthroscopy), the tendon is repaired with sutures. If the tendon is separated from the bone, small rivets called suture anchors are used to attach the tendon back to the bone.
Aftercare
Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff is usually very successful at relieving pain in the shoulder. The procedure is less predictable at returning strength to the shoulder. Recovery time often depends on the extent of the tear.
Review Date:
6/30/2011
Reviewed By:
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.