In the past the traditional method for repairing a torn rotator cuff was to use the "open method" in which a large incision was made over the outside aspect of the shoulder. From here the surgeon could separate the muscles to see the rotator cuff, find the torn part and repair it. This type of surgery had its problems and because of that a newer technique called the "arthroscopic rotator cuff repair" was developed. This article will discuss the latter procedure.
The arthroscopic repair uses smaller incisions and a small camera and instruments to perform the repair. The camera is inserted through a small incision and the surgeon can view the inner workings of the shoulder on a TV monitor. The repair can then be made.
The arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is made with small instruments. The surgeon makes three small incisions called portals. The camera is inserted through these portals and the tissue structures can be viewed on a television monitor. The surgeon can also insert small instruments through these same portals and while viewing the torn muscle or tendon on the monitor he can perform the repair.
This newer procedure was developed in the hopes that it would improve the healing time over and above an open procedure. The trauma of the open procedure to the patient's shoulder proved to be painful, cause long rehab time and left a large scar. These were potential problems that needed to be overcome.
The arthroscopic cuff repairs were found to cause less trauma to the soft tissues and joint structures of the shoulder. The result was smaller scars and less damage to surrounding structures. The large deltoid muscle of the shoulder is better off with the scope procedure because in the open procedure the deltoid is detached (one of the reasons recovery time can be significantly longer). Surgeons report that they can view the cuff better through the arthroscopic procedure as well.
One of the biggest arguments against the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is that some believe the actual repair is not as good as those accomplished through the open procedure. In the open procedure the surgeon can directly view the torn muscle. In the scope procedure he is viewing it through a camera. Some surgeons believe that the direct visualization leads to a stronger repair.
One other aspect that is considered a con against the arthroscopic repair is that it takes a long time and alot of experience for the surgeon to master the techniques. If you are considering this type of surgery you should find out how much experience your surgeon has performing it.
Time will tell if the benefits of the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair outweigh the open repair. The decision to use this procedure largely depends on your surgeon's preference. The technique may not be beneficial for all shoulder patients. Your surgeon should be able to educate you on the pros and cons of this particular procedure.
In the past the traditional method for repairing a torn rotator cuff was to use the "open method" in which a large incision was made over the outside aspect of the shoulder. From here the surgeon could separate the muscles to see the rotator cuff, find the torn part and repair it. This type of surgery had its problems and because of that a newer technique called the "arthroscopic rotator cuff repair" was developed. This article will discuss the latter procedure.
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