What is rotator cuff repair?
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is keyhole surgery that reattaches a torn cuff tendon to its footprint on the top of the arm bone. Small anchors loaded with strong sutures hold the tendon against the bone so it can heal back into place.
It is recommended for larger or full-thickness tears, for active patients, and where non-surgical treatment has not relieved pain and weakness. Repairing the tendon while it is healthy and mobile gives the best chance of a durable result.
Who is it for?
- Full-thickness or larger tears causing weakness.
- Acute tears in active patients, ideally repaired sooner.
- Pain and loss of function despite physiotherapy.
- A tendon of good quality that has not retracted too far.
A long-standing tear can retract and the muscle weaken, making repair harder. A timely assessment keeps the option of a strong repair open.
How the procedure works
Through small incisions, the joint and tendon are inspected, the torn edge is prepared, and the bony footprint is freshened to encourage healing. Anchors are placed in the bone and the sutures are passed through the tendon to draw it back to its footprint under appropriate tension. Any impingement or biceps problem is often addressed at the same time.
Recovery timeline
The healing tendon must be protected before it is loaded — early protection is essential.
Protect
A sling protects the repair; gentle, guided movements only, to avoid loading the tendon.
Restore motion
Progressive active movement to regain full range as the tendon heals to bone.
Strength
Graded strengthening, then a return to fuller activity and sport.
Risks & outcomes
Most patients regain a comfortable, functional shoulder, with reliable relief of pain. The main consideration is that a repaired tendon needs time and protection to heal, and a proportion of larger tears may not fully heal — discussed individually beforehand. Risks such as stiffness, infection and clots are uncommon and actively managed.
Usually around four to six weeks, depending on the size of the tear and the security of the repair.
The tendon needs time to heal back to the bone; loading it too early risks the repair failing.