Rotator Cuff Repair

Specialized management by Dr. Stéphane Vasseur

Indications

  • Symptomatic tear confirmed (pain, weakness, loss of strength)
  • Failure of well-conducted rehabilitation
  • Active/sporting patient or high functional demands

Related pathology: Rotator cuff

Operative principle

Arthroscopic repair with anchors and tendon reinsertion on the humeral tuberosity after burring, associated if needed with acromioplasty and bursectomy.

Postoperative course and rehabilitation

  • Relative immobilization in sling 3–6 weeks depending on tear size
  • Early passive/assisted mobilization, progressive active
  • Targeted strengthening from 8–12 weeks
  • Return to sport/forceful gestures: 4–6 months

Risks

  • Stiffness, residual pain
  • Re-tear depending on tendon quality
  • Hematoma, infection (rare)

In practice

  • Hospitalization: Outpatient or 1 day
  • Anesthesia: General ± regional
  • Immobilization: Sling 3–6 weeks depending on tear size
  • Physiotherapy: Progressive protocol over 3–6 months