Articles

Metal anchors fixing the cuff to bone.   Bio-compatible anchors may also be used.

Minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery
Khemarin Seng MD

The rotator cuff is an important connection between the muscle and bone of the shoulder.  It is made up of multiple tendons that are essential for proper function and mobility of the shoulder.    Tears of the rotator cuff can be disabling injuries.  These injuries cause pain, loss of shoulder function and resultant loss of athletic ability and time away from work.

Surgical treatment includes open shoulder surgery, mini-open and all arthroscopic procedures.  Many orthopaedic surgeons perform mini open procedures with excellent results.  Recently, a more minimally invasive all arthroscopic procedure shows equally excellent results. 

Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery allows a thorough investigation of both sides of the shoulder joint, the glenohumeral side and the subacromial side.  This allows a complete inspection of the shoulder through a 5 mm incision.  With newer technology and instrumentation, repairs of the rotator cuff can be performed through multiple small incisions.  In the open or mini-open procedure, the deltoid muscle is split to varying degrees for visual and procedural access to the cuff.  The arthroscopic technique takes advantage of specialized instrumentation to perform the same repair through multiple small incisions about the shoulder without significant violation of the deltoid muscle.

Evaluation of rotator cuff injuries can be challenging.  A thorough history and physical examination is essential.  If required, an X ray, MRI or special MR arthrogram may be ordered.  Diagnosis and implementation of treatment can occur within 2 weeks of initial consultation.