Mini-Open Rotator Cuff Repair

Mini-open rotator cuff surgery involves smaller incisions than open surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon does not detach the large deltoid muscle which results in less risk and recovery time. Most patients see improved shoulder function followed by the increased strength and range of motion.

Mini-open rotator cuff surgery offers newer technology to perform a repair through a small incision (typically between 3 and 5 cm long). It also uses arthroscopy to assess the damage to other structures within the shoulder joint.

Mini-Open repair surgery is for:

• People having large or complicated tears and
• People who need of tendon transfers

A tendon transfer is a surgical option for the people with severe rotator cuff injuries, in which the surgeon couldn’t attach the damaged tendon to the top of the humerus. In this case, a tendon from a different location in the body is used to repair the rotator cuff.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Mini Open Rotator cuff repair may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your hospital stay. In this procedure, your surgeon makes a short incision about 3 cm to get direct access to the torn rotator cuff tendon. He uses the arthroscope to look into the shoulder joint to clean out any damaged tissue or bone spurs.

Preparation for the rotator cuff repair will be made arthroscopically. Once the arthroscopic portion is completed, a shorter incision will be made to repair the tendon back to the bone. The recovery may be less painful following the mini-open rotator repair than the open cuff repair.