Our Summary

The problem of retearing after shoulder surgery is quite common, with a healing failure rate of 20% to 68%. To improve these rates, experts have looked into using bone marrow stimulation, which is a simple, cheap method. However, past studies have not shown any significant benefits of this method in terms of healing or functionality when compared to traditional surgery. Recent research suggests that bone marrow stimulation may improve healing rates, but only when strictly defined conditions are met. When considering only complete retears, this method does not seem to offer any clinical advantages.

FAQs

  1. What is the retear rate after shoulder surgery?
  2. What is bone marrow stimulation and how does it help in shoulder surgery?
  3. Does bone marrow stimulation offer any clinical advantages in case of complete retears?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions closely, including participating in physical therapy and avoiding activities that could put strain on the repaired shoulder. It is also important to give your shoulder enough time to heal properly before returning to full activity. Additionally, maintaining good posture and proper body mechanics can help prevent future injuries to the rotator cuff. Remember to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly to ensure the best possible outcome from your rotator cuff repair surgery.

Suitable For

Generally, patients who are recommended for rotator cuff repair surgery are those who have a significant tear in the rotator cuff that is causing persistent pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. These patients may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and rest, but have not seen significant improvement in their symptoms.

Patients who are younger, have a higher level of physical activity, and have a healthy lifestyle are typically better candidates for rotator cuff repair surgery. Additionally, patients who do not have significant arthritis in the shoulder joint and who are motivated to participate in post-operative rehabilitation are also good candidates for surgery.

It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine if rotator cuff repair surgery is the best course of action for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before rotator cuff repair:

  1. Patient experiences shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination, imaging tests (such as MRI), and possibly a trial of conservative treatments (such as physical therapy or cortisone injections).
  3. Orthopedic surgeon determines that rotator cuff repair surgery is necessary.

After rotator cuff repair:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation.
  2. Rotator cuff repair surgery is performed, either through open surgery or arthroscopic surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation, including physical therapy to improve strength, range of motion, and function of the shoulder.
  4. Patient follows a gradual return to normal activities, avoiding heavy lifting and overhead activities for a period of time to allow for proper healing.
  5. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort during the recovery process, but should see improvement in shoulder function over time.
  6. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of rotator cuff repair surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with rotator cuff repair surgery?
  3. What is the recovery process like after rotator cuff repair surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing surgery?
  5. What can I do to help prevent retearing of the rotator cuff after surgery?
  6. How long will it take for me to regain full range of motion and strength in my shoulder after surgery?
  7. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after surgery?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  9. What can I expect in terms of pain management after surgery?
  10. Are there any specific exercises or physical therapy techniques that can help with my recovery?

Reference

Authors: Lapner P. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2025 Aug;41(8):2750-2752. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2025.03.025. Epub 2025 Mar 19. PMID: 40118303