Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery - Diagnosis & Procedure

Who Is The Right Candidate For Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?

Determining if you’re a suitable candidate for rotator cuff repair surgery depends on several factors. These include:

• Severity of Symptoms: If you experience consistent pain, persistent weakness or limited range of motion that impairs your day-to-day activities, surgery may be a viable option.
• Failure of Conservative Treatment: Surgery is considered when non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, rest, and medication do not relieve rotator cuff injury symptoms.
• Size of the Tear: Large or complex tears, or those that affect most of the tendon, are likelier candidates for surgical repair.
• Patient’s Age and Health: Younger, active individuals in good overall health are more likely to benefit from rotator cuff repair surgery. However, each case is unique and the surgeon will make a decision based on your specific circumstances.

What Are The Benefits Of Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?

If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain and weakness, rotator cuff repair surgery might be a solution for you. Here’s how it could help:

• Significant Improvement in Shoulder Strength: One of the key benefits of undergoing this surgery is that it considerably improves shoulder strength, helping you to undertake daily tasks with greater ease.
• Pain Relief: Another major advantage is that majority of patients report a significant reduction in pain post-surgery.
• Similar Results Across Techniques: Whether you opt for open surgery, mini-open or arthroscopic techniques, patient satisfaction, pain relief and strength improvement remain similar across all methods.
• Faster Recovery with Arthroscopic Repair: Compared to open repair, arthroscopic repair offers benefits such as less tissue damage, faster recovery, less discomfort and smaller scars.

How To Prepare For Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?

As you prepare for your rotator cuff repair surgery, here are a few steps that could help:

• Consult Your Surgeon: Discuss with your doctor the suitable procedure based on factors such as tear size, anatomy and tissue quality.
• Medication Review: Some medications might need to be stopped before the rotator cuff injury surgery. Ensure to consult your doctor about the same.
• Arrange Help: Arrange support for daily activities and transportation post-surgery.

What Are The Recovery Tips And Precautions To Follow After Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?

Post-surgery recovery needs careful handling. Here’s what you can do to ensure smooth healing:

• Wear a Sling: To protect the repaired tendon, it is advisable to immobilise your arm with a sling for about 4-6 weeks.
• Limit Arm Use: Avoid using your arm for activities aside from those illustrated by your physical therapist for the first 4-6 weeks.
• Exercise Gradually: Gentle range-of-motion exercises can be started in the first 4-6 weeks. You can then progress to strengthening exercises over time.
• Patience is Key: It may take 4-6 months to regain functional range-of-motion, and even longer for complete recovery.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking and nicotine use can hinder your chances of a satisfactory result.

Potential Risks Or Complications Associated With Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, rotator cuff repair surgery carries some risks, including:

• Nerve Injury: This commonly involves the nerve of the deltoid muscle.
• Infection: If an infection occurs, it might require additional surgery and antibiotics.
• Deltoid Detachment: This can occur during open repair. Be mindful to protect it during rehab.
• Stiffness: While this usually improves with more aggressive therapy, it may be uncomfortable initially.
• Tendon Re-tear: Although this is more likely with larger tears, it usually does not necessitate repeat surgery if pain and function are acceptable.

Remember, your full participation in the rehabilitation programme and diligently following your surgeon’s instructions are key to a successful recovery.

What Is The Cost Of Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery In India?

Rotator cuff repair surgery is a procedure performed to mend a torn tendon in the shoulder. The cost in India can significantly var. This variation in cost can be affected by several factors including:

• Type of Surgery: Whether the surgery is open, arthroscopy, or mini-open can determine the cost.
• Severity of Tear: The complexity and severity of the tear in your rotator cuff will also influence the cost of rotator cuff injury surgery.
• Surgeon and Hospital Fees: Fees can range based on the expertise of your surgeon and the hospital you choose for your treatment.
• Geographic Location: The cost of medical procedures can differ across various cities or regions within India.
• Public or Private Hospital: Private hospitals generally have higher costs compared to public hospitals.
• Insurance Coverage: Depending on your policy, insurance may cover part of the cost of your procedure.

Is Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery Covered Under Insurance?

The coverage for rotator cuff repair surgery largely depends on your individual insurance policy. In general, insurance companies do provide coverage for such surgeries. This typically includes the surgeon’s fees, assistant surgeon’s fees, anaesthesiologist fees, and hospital costs. However, there might be exclusions such as premium ward rooms or experimental procedures. If you have a pre-existing condition that complicates the operation, treatment for it may not be included.

In India, insurance coverage differs by provider. It is crucial to consult with your insurance provider about the specific details of your plan before scheduling a surgery. This will give you a clear understanding of what costs you can expect to cover out-of-pocket.