When Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Recommended?

Rotator Cuff Surgery with Dr. Logan

When Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Recommended?

If rotator cuff surgery has been recommended as an option for a torn rotator cuff it is often secondary to:

- Your pain did not improve with nonsurgical methods

- Continued pain is the main indication for surgery

- If you are very active and use your arms for overhead work or sports and the tear size is significant

Other signs that surgery may be a good option for you include:

  • Your symptoms have lasted 6 to 12 months
  • You have a large tear (more than 3 cm) and the quality of the surrounding tendon tissue is good
  • You have significant weakness and loss of function in your shoulder
  • Your tear was caused by a recent, acute injury
 
Front and overhead view of a rotator cuff tear in the supraspinatus tendon
 
 
Author
Dr. Catherine Logan Headshot Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.

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