Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator Cuff Repair Services Offered in Houston, TX
When conservative interventions fail to improve your shoulder pain, you may need rotator cuff repair. Having performed over 1000 arthroscopic rotator cuffs repairs at his practice, Alain E. Elbaz, MD, PLLC, Dr. Elbaz uses the least invasive methods to reduce your post-surgical pain and recovery time. To schedule a consultation with the board-certified orthopedic surgeon, call one of the two offices in Houston, Texas, or book online today. Telemedicine consultations are available.
Rotator Cuff Repair Q&A
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that form a cover over the head of the upper arm bone, attaching it to the shoulder blade. Your rotator cuff stabilizes the ball and socket joint of your shoulder and gives you the ability to lift and rotate your arm. A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury. With a tear, one or more of the tendons that make up the rotator cuff are partially or completely torn. This type of injury may occur from an unexpected accident or degenerative changes affecting the soft tissue as you age.
When do I need rotator cuff repair?
Dr. Elbaz takes a conservative approach to care, employing the simplest and safest treatment available to support your body’s natural healing process. However, he may recommend rotator cuff repair if your injury continues to cause pain after weeks of conservative care, you have a large tear, or your tear occurred from an acute injury.
What happens during rotator cuff repair?
Dr. Elbaz uses minimally invasive techniques to perform a rotator cuff repair. He customizes your surgical plan and reviews the details at your presurgical consultation.
You’re given general and regional anesthesia before Dr. Elbaz starts your surgery, so you’re asleep during the procedure. Dr. Elbaz uses arthroscopic techniques to repair your rotator cuff. He makes a small incision at your shoulder and inserts the arthroscope — a thin surgical instrument equipped with a light and camera that transmits images of your shoulder onto a computer monitor.
He makes additional small incisions to insert the surgical instruments he needs to repair your tear. Dr. Elbaz reattaches the tendon to your bone using suture anchors.
In older patients, the repair may fail due to the poor quality of the muscle and tendon. Dr Elbaz is one of the few surgeons who routinely strengthens the repaired rotator cuff tissue with special grafts called Tissuemend and Regeneten, which provide superior results.
Strengthening and thickening the tissue will help patients get back to more strenuous activities.
Dr. Elbaz removes the surgical instruments, closes them, and covers your wound. You then go to the recovery room for monitoring. Most people go home the same day.
InSpace Shoulder Balloon: In certain situations, it may not be possible to repair the torn rotator cuff. The InSpace Shoulder Balloon may be used in this situation to decrease pain and improve motion. Recently cleared by the FDA, this procedure may avoid the need for a reverse total shoulder replacement.
What can I expect during recovery from rotator cuff repair?
You need to immobilize your shoulder for several weeks following rotator cuff repair, so the tendon has time to heal. You then start rehabilitation with physical therapy. Full recovery from rotator cuff repair may take 4–6 months.
Your commitment to your rehabilitation program is key to a quick and safe recovery. To schedule a rotator cuff repair consultation at Alain E. Elbaz, MD, PLLC, call or book an appointment online today.