Welcome to Dr. Krishna Kumar M.S. – Robotic Joint Replacement Specialist
Shoulder pain that worsens while lifting the arm, reaching overhead, or sleeping on the affected side is often caused by a torn rotator cuff. When physiotherapy and medications are not enough, rotator cuff repair can restore tendon strength, reduce pain, and improve shoulder function by reattaching the torn tendon back to bone.
Dr. Krishna Kumar M S performs advanced rotator cuff repair in Whitefield, Bangalore for partial and full-thickness tears, traumatic shoulder injuries, chronic tendon degeneration, and associated impingement. Whenever possible, the repair is done arthroscopically through tiny incisions for less pain, smaller scars, and better recovery.
The rotator cuff is made up of four tendons - supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor - that stabilize the shoulder and help lift and rotate the arm. When one or more of these tendons tear, patients often experience pain, weakness, clicking, and loss of overhead function.
Rotator cuff repair is the surgery used to reattach the torn tendon to the humeral head using suture anchors and specialized arthroscopic instruments. The aim is to restore the normal force balance of the shoulder so you can move with less pain and better strength.
Dr. Krishna Kumar M S recommends surgery when a torn tendon is unlikely to recover adequately with non-surgical treatment, or when weakness and pain are significantly affecting daily function. Rotator cuff repair is usually advised when:
Rotator cuff repair begins with detailed clinical examination and imaging to define the tear pattern, tendon quality, retraction, and any associated shoulder pathology. This helps determine whether the tendon can be repaired directly and what additional procedures may improve the final result.
Pre-Surgery Evaluation: Shoulder X-rays and MRI are used to assess tear size, muscle quality, impingement, and biceps involvement. This is essential for accurate surgical planning and patient counseling.
Anaesthesia and Arthroscopy: Surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia with regional pain control. Through small arthroscopic portals, the shoulder joint and subacromial space are inspected, inflamed tissue is cleared, and the torn tendon is mobilized.
Tendon Repair: The tendon footprint is prepared and the torn cuff is reattached to bone using anchors and sutures. Depending on the tear, single-row, double-row, or bridging repair techniques may be used. The procedure often takes 60-120 minutes depending on complexity.
Protection and Rehab: After surgery, the arm is supported in a sling and a phased rehabilitation program begins. Early healing protection is critical because the tendon needs time to bond securely back to bone.
Recovery after rotator cuff repair is gradual because tendon healing takes time. Most patients improve steadily in clearly defined stages:
Good rotator cuff outcomes depend on both the quality of the repair and the discipline of the rehabilitation plan. Patients choose Dr. Krishna Kumar M S for shoulder tendon surgery because the treatment is precise, realistic, and function-focused from start to finish.
Rotator cuff repair provides excellent pain relief and functional improvement for most properly selected patients, especially when surgery is done before the tendon becomes chronically retracted or the muscle quality deteriorates severely. Many patients regain better strength, better sleep, and smoother overhead movement after completing rehabilitation.
As with any shoulder surgery, risks include stiffness, infection, incomplete healing, re-tear, persistent weakness, or delayed recovery in very large or chronic tears. Dr. Krishna Kumar M S follows proven arthroscopic techniques and carefully staged rehabilitation protocols to reduce these risks and maximize tendon healing.
Small strains and some partial-thickness tears may improve with physiotherapy, medication, and activity modification. However, a true full-thickness rotator cuff tear does not naturally reattach itself to bone. If weakness persists, night pain continues, or imaging shows a significant tear, surgery is often the best way to restore durable shoulder function.
Most arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs take between 60 and 120 minutes. Smaller tears may take less time, while large or complex tears needing additional procedures such as biceps tenodesis or decompression may take longer. The exact duration is explained after MRI review and surgical planning.
Yes. Most patients wear a shoulder sling for about 4-6 weeks after surgery to protect the repaired tendon during the earliest phase of healing. The exact duration depends on the tear size and repair strength. Even while the sling is in use, guided passive exercises usually begin early to reduce stiffness.
Desk-based work may be possible in 2-4 weeks depending on pain control and sling use. Driving is usually delayed until you can safely control the vehicle without the sling and are off strong pain medication, often around 6 weeks. Heavier work, gym activity, and overhead sports usually require several months of rehabilitation and strength recovery.
In most modern cases, yes. Arthroscopic repair uses small incisions, causes less soft tissue damage, provides excellent visualization of the shoulder joint, and allows associated problems to be treated at the same time. Open surgery is reserved for select cases, but arthroscopy is now the preferred approach for most reparable rotator cuff tears.
If shoulder pain, weakness, or a tendon tear is limiting your daily life, consult Dr. Krishna Kumar M S for a detailed rotator cuff assessment and personalized surgical advice.
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