Shoulder Arthroscopy in Kennewick, WA

What are Rotator Cuff Muscles?

The rotator cuff muscles are a group of muscles that surround the shoulder joint, providing the power to lift and rotate the arm. As we age, these muscles can become thinner and more prone to rupture, sometimes with minimal trauma. In younger patients, ruptures are usually associated with significant trauma. Unfortunately, when the rotator cuff muscles tear completely, they do not repair themselves. Leaving them unattended can lead to the progression of the tear, resulting in a progressive loss of motion and power. The longer a large tear is left untreated, the bigger it gets, and the more motion and power are lost. Surgical outcomes are generally better with smaller tears, so delaying treatment can lead to less satisfactory results.

Typically, patients experience severe pain when elevating the arm, discomfort at night, and a restriction in motion and power. Eventually, they may lose the majority of shoulder motion. Non-operative management can yield good results for smaller or partial tears, provided the demand on the shoulder is not high. However, if the tears are moderate to large or the functional deficit is significant, surgery is required.

How is Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery Performed?

During surgery, a local anesthetic is injected into the shoulder to reduce pain. In many cases, the anesthesiologist will discuss the option of a 'block,' an injection around the neck that reduces pain for 12 to 18 hours postoperatively. It is important to remove all rings from your hand prior to surgery.

An arthroscopic rotator cuff repair involves reattaching the torn muscle to the part of the bone from which it has become detached. The procedure typically involves 3 to 5 very small incisions around the shoulder. The acromion bone is usually trimmed, and the coraco-acromial ligament is removed, as these structures can rub on the rotator cuff and may have contributed to the tear. If there is associated arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint, a small portion of bone is removed from the outer end of the collarbone (clavicle). The rotator cuff is then inspected, and the tear is repaired using dissolving screws with stitches that never dissolve.



The surgical procedure takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the repair needed. After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room where nurses will monitor you as you recover from the anesthesia. Your arm will be placed in a sling, and you will be able to go home within a few hours after surgery.

At Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, our expert medical specialists are dedicated to evaluating and treating rotator cuff injuries. If you have ruptured rotator cuff muscles caused by aging or trauma, we can determine the best course of treatment, including whether arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery is necessary.

Contact us today at (509) 586-2828 to schedule an appointment.

We are here to help you get back to a pain-free life.