Rotator Cuff Repair
When a rotator cuff tear causes persistent pain, weakness, or loss of shoulder function that does not respond to physical therapy and other conservative measures, surgical repair is often the most effective path to recovery. Dr. Cooper specializes in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair — a minimally invasive technique that reattaches the torn tendon to bone through small incisions, reducing recovery time and minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.
Candidates for Surgery
Surgical repair is typically recommended for acute full-thickness tears in active patients, complete tears causing significant weakness, large or massive tears that are unlikely to heal without intervention, and symptomatic tears that have not improved after three to six months of dedicated conservative treatment. Younger patients and those with physically demanding occupations or athletic goals are particularly good candidates for repair.
The Surgical Procedure
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is performed under general or regional anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Dr. Cooper inserts a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments through several small portals around the shoulder. The torn tendon edges are debrided and prepared, and suture anchors are inserted into the humeral head at the tendon's footprint. The tendon is then secured down to bone with sutures passed through the tissue, recreating its natural attachment.
For massive or complex tears with poor tissue quality, additional procedures may be required — including augmentation with biologic scaffolds, superior capsule reconstruction using dermal allograft, or latissimus dorsi tendon transfer to restore shoulder elevation and external rotation strength.
Recovery Timeline
Healing after rotator cuff repair takes time because tendon-to-bone integration is a biological process that cannot be rushed. Patients wear a protective sling for four to six weeks. Physical therapy begins shortly after surgery with passive motion exercises, progressing to active motion at six weeks and strengthening at three months. Most patients achieve functional activities of daily living by four months and return to sport or heavy work between six and twelve months post-operatively.
Dr. Cooper provides a detailed, individualized rehabilitation plan for each patient and partners with skilled physical therapists to optimize recovery and long-term shoulder function.
