The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help lift, rotate, and stabilize the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears can occur suddenly after an injury — such as a fall onto an outstretched arm — or develop gradually over time from repetitive use and age-related wear.
Most rotator cuff tears can be repaired arthroscopically through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments, allowing treatment without the need for a large open incision.
What is rotator cuff repair?
The rotator cuff is the most important system of muscles and tendons for shoulder function — it stabilizes the joint and powers overhead and rotational movement. The cuff can be injured acutely through trauma, for example slipping on black ice and landing hard on the arm, or through years of repetitive stress that gradually wears the tendon. When the cuff tears, repair restores the tendon's attachment to the bone so it can heal.
How the repair is performed
Most rotator cuff tears can be repaired arthroscopically through small incisions rather than the larger incisions used in traditional open surgery. During the procedure, a small camera is inserted into the shoulder, allowing the surgeon to visualize the tear and repair it using specialized instruments.
The torn tendon is secured back to the bone using suture anchors, creating the conditions needed for healing. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, it typically results in less disruption to the surrounding soft tissues than traditional open repair.
Who is a candidate?
- Patients with an acute traumatic rotator cuff tear causing pain, weakness, or loss of motion
- Patients with a chronic, repetitive-stress tear that has not improved with non-surgical care
- Active patients who need to restore overhead strength and function
Not every tear requires surgery — some are managed with physical therapy and activity modification. Dr. Gomoll will review your imaging and exam to recommend the right course.
Risks to understand
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a well-established procedure, but like any surgery it carries risks you should weigh with Dr. Gomoll — including infection, shoulder stiffness, and the possibility that the repair does not fully heal (re-tear), which is more likely with larger or more chronic tears. Adherence to the rehabilitation protocol is important to protect the repair.
Recovery & rehabilitation
Because the repaired tendon must heal back to bone, recovery is staged: a period in a sling, then gentle range-of-motion, then progressive strengthening over several months. For shoulder rehab protocols after rotator cuff repair, biceps tenodesis or tenotomy, and arthroscopic instability repair, see our shoulder rehab protocols page, and review our after-surgery instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is the most important system of muscles and tendons for shoulder function — it stabilizes the shoulder and powers overhead and rotational movement. When the cuff tears, it can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting or reaching.
How does a rotator cuff tear happen?
The cuff can be injured acutely through trauma — for example, slipping on black ice and landing hard on the arm — or through years of repetitive stress that gradually wears the tendon. Both patterns are common, and the right treatment depends on the size, location, and chronicity of the tear.
How is rotator cuff repair performed?
Most tears can be repaired arthroscopically through small portal incisions, avoiding the larger open incisions used in the past. Through these portals the torn tendon is re-attached to the bone with suture anchors, restoring the cuff's attachment so it can heal.
Is rotator cuff repair outpatient?
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is typically performed as outpatient surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery — most patients go home the same day. The exact plan depends on the tear, your anesthesia, and your medical history, and is confirmed before your surgery date.
What is recovery from rotator cuff repair like?
The repaired tendon needs time to heal to bone, so recovery is staged: a period in a sling, then gentle range-of-motion, then progressive strengthening over several months. Following the rehabilitation protocol closely is essential to protect the repair — see our shoulder rehab protocols and confirm your plan with Dr. Gomoll.
Dr. Gomoll evaluates and repairs rotator cuff and other shoulder injuries at the Hospital for Special Surgery, 523 East 72nd Street on Manhattan's Upper East Side, caring for patients across New York City and beyond. See our location and directions or request an appointment.
Medical disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Surgical and non-surgical orthopedic care should always be discussed with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has reviewed your imaging, history, and physical examination. Individual outcomes vary based on diagnosis, anatomy, comorbidities, and adherence to rehabilitation.