Based on the results of your interview, examination, and imaging studies, you can expect a custom care plan catered specifically to you.

Many people believe it’s best to wait until pain becomes severe, leading them to “put off” or delay treatments.

If you are in constant discomfort, have shooting or stabbing pains, have limited range of motion, or an inability to perform your daily activities, rotator cuff repair may be right for you.

New technologies allow patients with shoulder pain to fully recover and enjoy the benefits of a more functional, pain-free lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you will typically receive at least 2 phone calls:

• A hospital registration representative will call to gather insurance and other personal information.
• A registered nurse will call to review your health history and medication information.

Dependent on your health history, your physician may require:

• Pre-surgical laboratory tests
• X-rays
• Primary care clearance

Pre-operative instructions will vary depending on your physician and the location of your surgery.

Always check with your physician prior to surgery for their specific instructions.

Most physicians require that patients do not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery.

Additionally, you will need a designated family member or friend to drive you home on the day you are released from the hospital. Surgical patients cannot drive themselves home.

If you schedule your surgery with a KCOA physician, you can expect the following on surgery day: 

• A receptionist will check you in at the hospital registration desk.
• A nurse will take you back and prepare you for surgery. They will start an IV, prepare the surgical site, and review your medical history and medications.
• Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your operation.
• The surgical team will take you to the operation suite for surgery.

One method we can use for rotator cuff repair is a shoulder arthroscopy. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to see inside the joint. A small tube with a camera is inserted through a minor incision, allowing the surgeon to view the structures of the joint and execute a repair.

While arthroscopy is now the most common methodology for performing rotator cuff repairs, there are instances when a more “open” approach is necessary to visualize the structures and repair the damaged tissue.

All of these options will be discussed with the patient prior to performing any type of repair.

During your shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair in Kansas City, you will remain under general anesthesia. After creating a small incision, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope) into the shoulder joint, giving them a clear guide for the surgical instruments. Saline-based fluid flows through the arthroscope to keep the image clear and bleeding minimal.

After assessing the injury and condition, your surgeon will begin the repair. Shoulder arthroscopy gives access to many repair options, like repairing the rotator cuff and labrum, smoothing the surrounding cartilage, removing inflamed tissue, and reshaping joints to prevent recurring injuries.

After your surgery, you will remain in the recovery room before being discharged. Our experienced clinical team will monitor you during this recovery and provide pain relief medication, if needed.

Repairing a rotator cuff is a significant procedure which often needs a few weeks to a few months for your shoulder to fully recover.

Because of its proximity to the head and neck and the concentration of nerve endings, shoulder surgeries can cause quite a bit of discomfort. Therefore, after surgery, the shoulder is often very sore, achy, and painful.

This is expected. Keep in mind, the shoulder joint is more complicated than the knee due to its structure and mobility, which is why recovery usually takes longer. Most people are in a sling for at least a month, but for more severe cases, it may be extended to 2 months

As time passes, you will gradually notice an improvement for up to a year. To prevent further injuries, it’s important to maintain good posture.

To prevent further injuries, it’s important to maintain good posture and ensure that your shoulder is in good position relative to your scapula. You should also focus on core strength, and promote healthy mobility of the shoulder.

We recommend regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and monitoring your blood sugar levels if you’re diabetic.

Staying active and following the instructions of your providers are the keys to a successful recovery from a rotator cuff repair.