Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff repair is surgery to repair a torn tendon in the shoulder. The procedure can be done with a large (open) incision or with shoulder arthroscopy, which uses smaller incisions. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons hold the arm in its joint and help the shoulder joint to move. The tendons can be torn from overuse or injury. You will likely receive general anesthesia before this surgery or local anesthesia.

Procedure

RFA may or may not be performed under mild sedation. If sedation is used, the patient is usually kept awake and conscious to an extent to be able to describe what they feel during the stimulation and lesioning of the nerve. First, you lie on your stomach on the procedure table and if sedation is used, an intravenous (IV) line is started so that sedation can be given. The skin is then cleansed and a physician numbs a small area of skin by injecting a numbing medicine (anesthetic) in the region of the RFA injection site. The physician uses x-ray guidance to direct the RFA needle toward the medial or lateral branch nerves. Once the needle tip is placed accurately, an active electrode is inserted through the needle and a small amount of electrical current is carefully passed next to the target nerve and a safe distance from other nerves. This current may briefly recreate the painful symptoms that the patient usually experiences. Finally, once the target nerve is confirmed, a heat lesion is created on the nerve using the preferred method (conventional, pulsed, or water-cooled radiofrequency) of ablation.

Rotator Cuff Repairs at Momentum Spine

At Momentum, our mission is to treat the causes of your pain with the highest standards of care and quality. Our experienced team of orthopedic physicians will help determine the underlying cause of your pain, and devise a treatment plan that’s right for you so that you can get back to the joys of life in no time. Plus, we have several locations throughout the Greater Dallas Area for your convenience. To schedule an appointment, please call (214) 557-4111 now.