The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that come together to form a “cuff” that supports the shoulder joint. It keeps your arm in place in the shoulder socket, while allowing for complete movement in different directions. Rotator cuff injuries come as a result of a direct force, the impact from trying to break a fall, or even lifting heavy weights. Symptoms can include snapping or crackling sounds when moving the shoulder, weakness and tenderness in the joint and difficult or limited mobility.
While conservative methods, such as anti-inflammatories, immobilization and icing, can be used to repair most rotator cuff injuries, surgery may be required for more severe cases. Rotator cuff surgery may be done using arthroscopy or through an open procedure, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Arthroscopy offers patients many advantages over traditional surgery
in that this type of procedure is minimally invasive, effectively decreases the amount of bleeding during surgery, has reduced risk of infection or other complications, and minimizes scarring.