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Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that attach to the head of the humerus, or the upper end of the arm bone. These muscles are responsible for much of the motion and strength in the shoulder. These muscles may tear (see rotator cuff tear) with an injury. When torn, the rotator cuff generally does not heal on its own. Patients usually complain of pain and weakness in the shoulder. Repair has typically been with an open surgical procedure.
Recent advances in both the skill of the arthroscopist, as well as arthroscopic equipment, have allowed for the development of techniques to repair the torn rotator cuff arthroscopically. Tendons can be sewn together, or sewn to bone with special instruments and implants. Not all rotator cuff tears can be repaired with the arthroscope, however, especially the very large tears.
The advantage of an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is that there is less tissue trauma, and less scarring and pain for the patient. Even with an arthroscopic repair, a patient still may have to protect the repaired tissue for many weeks, and participated in an intensive physical therapy program.
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