Using this guide What's covered
Here you’ll find answers to many of your questions about rotator cuff surgery. Learn how it’s done, what it may cost, what your recovery may be like, and more.
Cost indicator
Discover the typical out-of-pocket costs HCF members can expect to pay for rotator cuff surgery and learn how your choice of surgeon and hospital affect that cost.
The basics
What's a rotator cuff?
Your rotator cuff is a set of 4 muscles with tendons that join your shoulder blade (scapula) up with your arm bone (humerus). They work together to enable your arm to move through its full range of motion. They also keep the joint stable. When you damage your rotator cuff, you can experience pain, difficulty moving your arm and instability in the joint.
Your rotator cuff can be damaged through trauma or from wear and tear. The wear and tear may result from ageing or it can happen sooner if you do a lot of heavy work that involves your shoulder.
What's rotator cuff surgery?
If your rotator cuff is damaged, and other methods have failed, you may need to have it repaired surgically. Surgery involves identifying and repairing tears to the rotator cuff.
How's it done?
Rotator cuff surgery can be done in 3 different ways:
- An open repair, uses a large surgical incision, and may be preferable if the tear is large and complex.
- An arthroscopic repair uses a keyhole technique where your surgeon performs the surgery through 2 or 3 small (1–2cm) incisions.
- With a mini-open repair your surgeon uses an arthroscope to examine the damage, then makes an incision to perform the surgery.
Where's it done?
Rotator cuff surgery is done in a hospital. It’s normally done as same-day surgery without an overnight stay.
How long does it take?
It normally takes between 1–2 hours but it depends on the complexity of the surgery.
Who's involved?
In addition to an orthopaedic surgeon, and possibly an assistant surgeon, it also involves:
- an anaesthetist
- nurses
- a pathologist
- a radiologist (for X-rays)
- a physiotherapist
- an occupational therapist.
The details
CONSIDERING THE PROCEDURE
Alternatives to rotator cuff surgery
There may be alternatives to rotator cuff surgery depending on your condition.
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Types of rotator cuff surgery
There are different types of rotator cuff surgery.
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Results vs risks of the procedure
The benefits and risks of rotator cuff surgery.
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Choosing a specialist
How to find an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in this procedure.
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PREPARATION
Questions for your specialist
What you should ask before going ahead with rotator cuff surgery.
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Preparing for your procedure
Pre-operative tests and preparation for rotator cuff surgery.
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Your anaesthetic options
About the anaesthesia and post-op pain relief.
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YOUR PROCEDURE
Going to hospital
What to expect on the day of your surgery.
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Your procedure
What happens in the operating theatre
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RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE
After your procedure
Your hospital stay.
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Recovery and aftercare
Resuming activities and watching for problems.
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Rehab for your shoulder
The importance of rehab for regaining optimal function in your shoulder.
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SECOND OPINION SERVICE
Eligible HCF members can get a free, confidential second opinion on their health condition from a certified, practising medical specialist based in Australia.
Give us feedback
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what you liked or what we can do to improve it. We'd love to hear from you.
To provide feedback, email us at wellbeing@hcf.com.au.
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Important information
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.