Rotator cuff injury surgery is a medical procedure for repairing damaged tendons in the shoulder, particularly the group of muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff. The surgery is for injuries resulting from trauma, wear and tear, or overuse of the rotator cuff. As a part of rotator cuff injury treatment, the surgery aims to restore shoulder function, reduce pain, and enhance overall joint stability. Orthopaedic surgeons employ various techniques, including arthroscopy, to access and repair the damaged tissue. Preparing for rotator cuff surgery is essential to calm the nerves, set realistic expectations, and promote a healthy recovery. In this blog, we will share tips for patients to prepare for rotator cuff injury surgery, discussing aspects such as what to expect from the surgery and the road to recovery.
Preparing for Rotator Cuff Surgery: Tips and Suggestions
To prepare for rotator cuff surgery, discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery in your rotator cuff surgery treatment, share your concerns, and gain a thorough understanding of the procedure. Staying informed about the procedure will help you to prepare a healthy mindset, stay focussed, and manage expectations before and after the rotator cuff surgery.
Follow pre-operative instructions diligently, including fasting and any medication guidelines provided by your medical team. Arrange for a support system at home, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for recovery. Stock up on necessary supplies, such as ice packs and pain medications. Lastly, prepare yourself for the rehabilitation phase, which will involve physical therapy to optimise post-surgery recovery and restore full shoulder function.
A crucial aspect of preparing for rotator cuff surgery is getting ready for the surgery. In the following sections, we will discuss things to expect before and after rotator cuff surgery.
What to Expect Before Surgery
Before rotator cuff injury surgery, you’ll undergo preoperative tests and receive detailed instructions on fasting, medications, and post-surgery care and rehabilitation. It ensures a clear understanding of the procedure and expected outcomes.
- Preoperative Tests: Various pre-operative tests are conducted to assess your overall health and ensure safety. These tests may include:
- Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans provide detailed images of the shoulder and surrounding structures, helping the surgeon plan the procedure.
- Blood Tests: Routine blood work to assess general health, including blood count and clotting factors.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart, ensuring optimal cardiovascular health before surgery.
- Overview of Medical History: Your doctor will discuss your medical history, including current medications, allergies, and any pre-existing conditions that may impact the rotator cuff tear surgery or anaesthesia.
- Fasting: Fasting helps prevent complications related to anaesthesia, such as the risk of aspiration (a condition where stomach contents enter the lungs during surgery). Typically, patients are instructed not to consume food or liquids for at least 8 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
- Medication Instructions: Your surgeon will guide you on the medications to continue and temporarily stop before the surgery. It’s essential to disclose all current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued to minimise the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery.
What to Expect During the Rotator Cuff Injury Surgery
On the day of the rotator cuff injury surgery, general or regional anaesthesia (depending on the specific procedure) is administered to ensure a comfortable and pain-free procedure.
Rotator cuff surgeons in India use arthroscopy, an open surgical approach, or a combination of the two, depending on the severity and specific characteristics of your injury.
In the case of Arthroscopy, surgeons make small incisions as part of a minimally-invasive approach to repair rotator cuff tear. The arthroscope, a thin tube with a light and camera on the end, is inserted through one of the incisions. It provides the surgeon with a clear view of the inside of the shoulder joint on a monitor. Specialised instruments are introduced through additional incisions to repair the damaged tendons. The procedure may involve suturing the torn edges or using anchors to reattach the tendon to the bone. Once the repair is complete, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures or staples and applies bandages.
In open rotator cuff tear surgery, surgeons make a larger incision for direct and broad access to the shoulder joint. There are higher risks and a longer recovery period associated with open surgery, but it is considered the most appropriate for cases with extensive damage to the rotator cuff.
What to Expect After the Rotator Cuff Surgery
After rotator cuff surgery, good care is crucial for successful outcomes. Immediately after the surgery, you will be moved to a recovery area for monitoring as you awaken from anaesthesia. You will feel pain in your shoulders. For pain management, medications will be administered to ensure comfort during the initial stages.
In most cases, rotator cuff surgery is an outpatient procedure, with the patient being discharged the same day. However, in cases of complications, you may be required to stay overnight for observation.
As part of at-home care, your doctor will recommend an arm sling or another form of support to safeguard the repaired tendons. You will be instructed to avoid movement. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications along with ice pack therapy for alleviating postoperative discomfort and minimising inflammation. They will also guide you on how to care for the wound and manage pain, and when to restart physical activities and resume any medications that were temporarily halted before the surgery.
Recovery After a Rotator Cuff Surgery
The recovery journey after rotator cuff surgery unfolds in distinct phases, encompassing immediate postoperative care, early rehabilitation, and the gradual return to normal activities. Healing time for a rotator cuff injury after surgery can span four to six months.
The introduction of early rehabilitation involves gentle range-of-motion exercises within the first four weeks to initiate the recovery process. There is a controlled increase in range of motion and activity levels, with instructions for follow-up appointments ensuring the continuous assessment of repair. During the mid-to-late recovery phase after 6 weeks of surgery, individual variations to the recovery plan crop up, influenced by the specific surgical procedure performed and the patient’s unique response to rehabilitation.
In the latter stages of the overall rotator cuff tear treatment, spanning months to a year or more, the goal is to achieve full recovery. Patients work towards optimal shoulder function and strength, gradually returning to unrestricted activities. The commitment to a disciplined exercise programme becomes integral for maintaining shoulder health in the long term.
While the overall recovery time is dependent on the extent of the injury and the chosen surgical approach, strict adherence to postoperative instructions, attendance at follow-up appointments, and active participation in the prescribed rehabilitation plan are paramount.
Lifestyle Adjustments
After rotator cuff surgery, patients may need to make temporary lifestyle adjustments to support healing and ensure a successful recovery. These adjustments can vary based on the extent of the surgery, individual recovery progress, and the recommendations of your surgeon and the healthcare team. After rotator cuff surgery, there may be restrictions on activities such as lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercises, especially during the healing period, and you will be advised to take a well-balanced diet. These are crucial for supporting overall health and facilitating an effective rotator cuff tear treatment.
Conclusion
Preparing for rotator cuff injury surgery is crucial for patients to ensure a successful outcome and a smooth recovery. Through preparation, patients can set realistic expectations, stay motivated during the entire treatment, and reduce avoidable risks and complications. Whether it is following fasting and medication instructions or abiding by at-home care, pain management, and gradual rehabilitation, patients can contribute to the overall recovery process through active participation. Through preparation and commitment to postoperative care, you can maximise the benefits of surgery, regain optimal shoulder function, and enhance the success of the overall rotator cuff injurytreatment. Consult with leading rotator cuff surgery doctors in India for personalised information on your case.
Disclaimer:
This article has been written for information purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice by a qualified doctor or other health care professional. The author is not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by the information in this article. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment, and recommendations tailored to your individual health needs.