Rotator cuff injuries have been a site of focus for many surgeons because of how relatively common they are. This focus has led to many advances in both surgical approaches to treatment and non-operative treatments like physical therapy and medication. As a result, fewer patients need operative approaches and those that receive them have better outcomes due to the variety of methods surgeons can now call on for arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery.

Injury Abnormalities and Surgical Approaches

Abnormalities in the pattern of rotator cuff injuries are very common due to the forces at play that tends to lead to them. As a result, arthroscopic surgery case studies may be found with or without acromioplasty. This additional procedure provides a few benefits by removing the piece of bone (bone spurs)in contact with the tendons. In short-term studies, this seems to provide no recovery benefit, but in long-term studies, recovery is enhanced and ongoing damage to the tendon reduced.

Advances in arthroscopic techniques have led to improved outcomes, less pain, and quicker recoveries.  A once very painful operation performed with larger incisions, now has become an efficient, out-patient operation.  Advances in minimally invasive techniques, improved anesthesia, and peripheral nerve blocks help reduce pain and the need for narcotics.  Improved rehabilitation protocols also continue to evolve and are showing steady improvement for long-term recovery.