Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator Cuff Repair Surgeon in Fairfax, Arlington, VA
Rotator cuff tears are commonly caused by acute injuries or degenerative changes that occur slowly with age or overuse. Dr. Najarian provides diagnosis and individualized nonoperative and operative treatments for the shoulder including rotator cuff repair in Fairfax, Arlington, VA. Dr. Najarian also provides the highest level of care during and after surgery. Contact Dr. Najarian’s office for an appointment today!
Rotator Cuff Repair in Fairfax and Arlington, VA
Rotator cuff tears can cause persistent shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty performing everyday activities, including lifting the arm, reaching overhead, or playing sports. When conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, rotator cuff repair may help restore tendon function and improve shoulder stability. Dr. Robert Najarian, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in orthopedic sports medicine, provides evaluation and treatment for shoulder injuries in Fairfax and Arlington, Virginia.
Treatment recommendations are tailored to the type and severity of the tear, the patient's activity level, and individual recovery goals.
What is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles in the shoulder joint including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles originate in the scapula and attach to the head of the humerus through tendons. The rotator cuff forms a sleeve around the humeral head and glenoid cavity, providing stability to the shoulder joint while enabling a wide range of movements.
Injury to the rotator cuff may occur due to pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade (scapula). It may occur due to repeated use of the arm for overhead activities or while playing sports. A forceful injury such as trauma can cause one or more of these tendons to tear, a condition called rotator cuff tear.
What is Rotator Cuff Repair?
Rotator cuff repair is a surgery to repair an injured or torn rotator cuff. It is usually performed arthroscopically on an outpatient basis. An arthroscope, a small, fiber-optic instrument consisting of a lens, light source, and video camera. The camera projects images of the inside of the joint onto a large monitor, allowing your doctor to look for any damage, assess the type of injury and repair it. Large rotator cuff tears may require open surgery.
Robert Najarian, M.D.
Dr. Najarian is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. With additional fellowship training in sports medicine and more than 18 years of experience, he specializes in treating the knee, shoulder, and elbow, as well as all sports-related injuries. His area of focus is in the treatment of knee cartilage and ligamentous injury, shoulder instability and rotator cuff repair, and elbow injuries in the throwing athlete (Tommy John Surgery). He has been named a Washingtonian Top Doctor since 2016.
When is Rotator Cuff Repair Necessary?
Your doctor may suggest surgery to treat rotator cuff tears if you:
- do not respond to non-surgical treatment options
- have severe shoulder pain and experience loss of strength
- you want to return to sports soon
What Does Preparation for Rotator Cuff Repair Involve?
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and take your medical history. Imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI or CT-scan may be ordered. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you are taking prior to the procedure and if you are allergic to any medicines or anesthesia. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
What is the Procedure for Rotator Cuff Repair?
The procedure is performed under general or regional and involves the following steps:
- One or more incisions are made at the skin near the shoulder joint.
- An arthroscope is inserted through the incision.
- Miniature surgical instruments are inserted to remove the damaged part of the tendon and injured surrounding tissue.
- The damaged ends of the tendon are sewn together. Care is taken to prevent damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels.
- A suture anchor may be used to reattach a completely torn tendon to the bone.
- The incision is closed and covered with a bandage.
What Does Postoperative Care for Rotator Cuff Repair Involve?
Prescription pain medicines or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to manage pain. Your shoulder will be placed in a brace or cast and you will be encouraged to keep weight off. You will be allowed to perform specific physical therapy exercises as you heal. You may return to normal activities after 6 months.
What are the Risks and Complications of Rotator Cuff Repair?
As with any surgery, there are associated risks and complications may occur. Those related to rotator cuff repair may include:
- Anesthetic complications
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Stiffness
- Tendon re-tear
Why Choose Dr. Najarian for Rotator Cuff Repair in Fairfax and Arlington, VA?
- Board-Certified Orthopedic Expertise: Dr. Najarian is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine, with expertise in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal injuries.
- Specialized Sports Medicine Training: His fellowship training at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health provides a foundation in the management of orthopedic and sports-related injuries.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Treatment recommendations consider the extent of the rotator cuff tear, symptoms, functional limitations, and response to nonsurgical treatments.
- Focus on Shoulder Function: Care is directed toward addressing the injury, reducing pain, and helping patients work toward improved shoulder strength, mobility, and function.
- Convenient Northern Virginia Locations: Patients can access orthopedic and sports medicine services at Inova Sports Medicine locations in Fairfax and Arlington.
Rotator Cuff Repair FAQs
Rotator cuff repair may be recommended when a tear causes persistent pain or weakness despite nonsurgical treatment. Surgery may also be considered for certain acute tears caused by an injury, particularly when the patient experiences significant loss of shoulder function. The decision depends on the tear's size, location, symptoms, and overall health.
Recovery varies depending on the size of the tear, the repair technique, and individual healing. Many patients require several months of rehabilitation, and recovery after a more extensive repair can take six months or longer. Following postoperative instructions and attending physical therapy are important parts of the recovery process.
Yes. Many rotator cuff repairs are performed using arthroscopic techniques, which involve small incisions and a camera to guide the procedure. Some tears may require a mini-open or open approach, depending on their size, complexity, and the surgeon's assessment.
Yes. Physical therapy is generally an important part of recovery after rotator cuff repair. Rehabilitation usually progresses through stages, beginning with protection of the repaired tendon and gradually introducing range-of-motion exercises and strengthening. The timeline depends on the repair and your surgeon's instructions.
Potential complications include infection, bleeding, anesthesia-related complications, nerve injury, shoulder stiffness, persistent pain, and re-tearing of the tendon. Your orthopedic surgeon can discuss the risks specific to your condition and explain how postoperative care may help support healing.
Some rotator cuff tears can be managed without surgery through activity modification, physical therapy, medication, and other appropriate treatments. However, a torn tendon does not always heal back to the bone on its own. An orthopedic evaluation can help determine whether nonsurgical management or surgical repair is appropriate.
Schedule a Rotator Cuff Repair Consultation in Fairfax or Arlington, VA
Shoulder pain and weakness from a rotator cuff tear can interfere with work, exercise, sleep, and everyday activities. If your symptoms persist or limit your shoulder movement, Dr. Robert Najarian offers orthopedic and sports medicine care at Inova Sports Medicine in Fairfax and Arlington, Virginia. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms, review appropriate treatment options, and determine whether rotator cuff repair may help you work toward improved shoulder function.
If you would like additional information on the treatment of shoulder conditions or to learn more about rotator cuff repair, please contact Dr. Najarian, serving the communities of Fairfax, Arlington, VA.
