Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Smaller Incisions, Faster Recovery

The rotator cuff is one of the most important and most vulnerable structures in the human body. When it tears — whether from a sudden injury or gradual wear — the resulting pain and weakness can make even simple daily tasks like reaching overhead or sleeping on your side feel impossible.

The good news is that the surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears has improved dramatically over the past two decades. Today, the vast majority of rotator cuff repairs are performed arthroscopically — through tiny incisions with a small camera and specialized instruments — rather than through large open incisions. This shift has transformed the patient experience: less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to an active life.

Understanding the Rotator Cuff