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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Yousef Muhammad — Orthopaedic SurgeonPhone +966 11 522 2222
Procedure Guide

Rotator Cuff Repair

Reattaching the tendon. Restoring overhead power.

A torn rotator cuff tendon is reattached to bone arthroscopically with anchors and sutures, restoring strength and ending the night pain that typically comes with a cuff tear.

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Rotator Cuff Repair video placeholder3D Animation (1:10)Watch how a rotator cuff repair is performed
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Learn about the procedure

Watch. Understand. Feel Confident.

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Rotator Cuff Repair — 3D Animation

See how the procedure is performed step-by-step in this animation.

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Double-Row Repair Technique (Real Footage)

For medical professionals: the surgical technique of a rotator cuff repair, step by step.

For Medical Professionals
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Recovery After Rotator Cuff Repair

Why the first six weeks are protected, and how strength returns over the following months.

Arthroscopic
Day Care or 1 Night
60–90 Minutes
Strength Restored
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Surgical Steps (Overview)

1
Tear Assessment

Tear size, shape and tendon quality are assessed arthroscopically.

2
Bone Bed Preparation

The footprint on the humerus is prepared for tendon healing.

3
Anchor Placement

Suture anchors are inserted into the bone at the footprint.

4
Tendon Reattachment

The tendon is mobilised and fixed with a single- or double-row repair.

5
Decompression

Impingement and the bursa are addressed to protect the repair.

Recovery Timeline (Step by Step)

Week 1–2Sling full time · Passive motion only · Pain control
Week 3–6Assisted passive motion · Sling weaned as instructed
Week 6–12Active motion · Light strengthening begins
Month 3–6Progressive strengthening · Overhead work resumes
Month 6–12Full strength · Return to sport and heavy lifting*
Overview

A cuff tear does not heal by itself; the tendon retracts and the muscle gradually degenerates. Repairing it early gives the best chance of a durable, healed tendon and full strength.

The surgery itself is arthroscopic and generally well tolerated. Healing biology, not the operation, dictates the timeline — the tendon needs protection before it can be loaded.

Is a rotator cuff repair right for you?
  • A full-thickness cuff tear confirmed on MRI
  • Weakness lifting or holding the arm out to the side
  • Night pain unresponsive to injection and physiotherapy
  • An acute traumatic tear in an active patient
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Preparing for surgery
  • MRI assessmentTear size and muscle quality decide repairability — we review it together
  • Sling and pillowA sling with an abduction pillow may be prescribed
  • Home preparationPlan one-handed living for the first weeks; prepare the sleeping setup
  • Stop smokingNicotine substantially reduces tendon healing rates
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A cuff repair is a biological operation. The stitches only hold the tendon while the body heals it — so the technique, the tissue quality and the patience of the first six weeks all matter equally.

Dr. Yousef Muhammad
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Yousef Muhammad

Questions & Answers

How long is the sling worn?
Typically four to six weeks, depending on tear size and repair strength. During that time motion is passive and guided by the physiotherapist.
When will strength come back?
Meaningful strength returns from three months, with continued improvement up to a year after surgery.
Can the repair fail?
Re-tears occur in a minority of cases, more commonly in large tears or poor tissue quality. Protecting the repair early is the best safeguard.
Is night pain relieved?
Almost always, and this is often the change patients notice first — although the first weeks after surgery can themselves be uncomfortable at night.
Can every tear be repaired?
No. Very large, retracted tears with muscle degeneration may not be repairable; in those cases tendon transfer or a reverse replacement is discussed.
When can I lift heavy again?
Usually from six months, once strength testing shows the repaired side is close to the healthy one.

Note: This information is for general education only and should not replace a consultation with your doctor.

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