The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tears usually result from chronic tendon degeneration due to aging. Most tears can be managed with nonsurgical options, such as physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and, sometimes, injections. You and your doctor may agree surgical repair is the best option if appropriate treatments do not relieve your symptoms.
There are many surgical options for rotator cuff tears. The specific type of surgery will be recommended by your doctor. Surgery may involve repair of the tendon, debridement of the tear, reconstruction, or in some cases joint replacement.
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Outlook
You may elect to have a rotator cuff repair if:
You are limited in your ability to perform normal activities because of a tendon tear.
Symptoms persist despite appropriate nonsurgical treatments and physical therapy.
A recent injury caused the tear.
You have significant weakness and pain in your shoulder.
Your doctor will make a treatment recommendation by taking your medical history and performing a physical exam. You may also need X-rays and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.
Your treatment may include one of the following types of rotator cuff repair surgery:
Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure with small incisions using a camera
Mini-open repair, a procedure that combines arthroscopy with an open repair
Open repair, a procedure with surgical incisions
After recovering from a rotator cuff repair, most patients have improved shoulder strength and less pain. Rehabilitation can affect the outcomes of this procedure. Your doctor will provide specific instructions for physical therapy after your surgery.
Orthopaedics is proud to be a leader in the care of patients with disorders of the bones, joints and spine. Our faculty, clinicians, and researchers have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, ranking as one of the best hospitals in the nation for in orthopaedic care.
Why Choose Penn State Health for Care
Top-Ranked by U.S. News & World Report
Penn State Health includes the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, ranked as one of the best orthopaedic providers in the country by U.S. News & World Report. This honor was earned because our doctors consistently deliver exceptional patient care and outcomes through their commitment to advanced treatments, translational research and provider training.
Coordinated, Specialized Care Through a Dedicated Institute
Penn State Health orthopaedic specialists work together through our dedicated Penn State Bone and Joint Institute. We focus on providing you with tailored care and state-of-the-art treatments and technologies to produce the highest-quality patient outcomes. All physicians at the institute are fellowship-trained and subspecialize in additional areas of orthopaedics and sports medicine.
Designated as a Blue Distinction® Center
Penn State Bone and Joint Institute is a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement. This superior designation from BlueCross BlueShield is only given to health care facilities and providers that stand out for their expertise in delivering specialty knee and hip replacement care. Our surgeons specialize in a range of pain-relieving procedures, including partial knee replacement, total joint arthroplasty, joint preservation surgery and complex revision surgery. They perform more than 1,000 joint replacement procedures every year.
Advancing Orthopaedic Medicine Through Research
The doctors and researchers in the Center for Orthopaedic Research and Translational Science at Hershey Medical Center are committed to advancing their field through scientific discovery and education. As the only locally based academic medical center in central Pennsylvania, Hershey Medical Center is a national leader in research and on the leading edge of new treatment options, including clinical trials, in partnership with Penn State College of Medicine.
Support Groups
Support groups provide an opportunity to share your feelings and connect with other patients and caregivers who are experiencing similar struggles.
We have an active clinical science research program and frequently seek volunteers to participate in clinical trials. These studies help our scientists improve diagnostic techniques, develop better treatments, and collaborate with other researchers.
