Rotator Cuff Repair Open Surgery

your doctor will make a vertical incision on your shoulder. Skin and other tissue will be pulled back in order to expose the shoulder's muscles. These will also be pulled aside to expose the shoulder joint and tendons. Under the deltoid muscle lies the bursa, a protective sac that prevents the rotator cuff tendons and the shoulder muscles from rubbing against each other. Your doctor will remove the bursa ... ... to gain access to the damaged tendons. Next, the surgeon will cut away any scar tissue or unhealthy tissue around the torn area. Using sutures, the tear can now be repaired. Before closing, the deltoid muscle is returned to its proper position ... ... and the skin is rejoined and sutured. Finally, a sterile bandage is applied. In order to keep the shoulder muscle immobile while it heals, you will be given a sling to wear.

PreOp | April 9, 2009

Tags:. .sutures. .immobile. .sterile. .tendons. .incision