Mini-Open / Open Rotator Cuff Repair
Large or complex rotator cuff tears requiring direct access are repaired through a small or standard surgical incision — enabling strong tendon-to-bone fixation that arthroscopic technique alone cannot achieve for every tear.
What is Mini-Open / Open Rotator Cuff Repair?
Mini-open rotator cuff repair combines an initial arthroscopic phase for subacromial decompression and joint assessment with tendon repair through a small deltoid-splitting incision of 3–5 cm — preserving the deltoid attachment while allowing direct access to the tear. Open repair uses a longer incision with partial deltoid detachment, reserved for the largest and most complex tear patterns. Both approaches allow direct visualisation and manual manipulation of the tendon edges — a significant advantage for massive or retracted tears where all-arthroscopic repair would not achieve adequate tissue quality. Dr. Sai Kishan selects the most appropriate technique at Lux Hospitals based on tear characteristics and tissue viability.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Patient Positioning
General or interscalene block; beach-chair position for shoulder access; fluoroscopy available if required.
Arthroscopic Phase
Initial arthroscopy performs subacromial bursectomy, decompression, and assessment of the tear to confirm its size, retraction, and tissue quality.
Mini-Open Incision
A deltoid-splitting incision provides direct exposure of the tear; tendon edges are mobilised and tissue quality assessed under direct vision.
Tendon-to-Bone Repair
Suture anchors are placed in the greater tuberosity footprint; sutures are passed through the tendon and tied, reapposing it firmly to the bone.
Deltoid Closure & Sling
The deltoid split is repaired meticulously; the wound is closed in layers and a sling applied before commencing guided physiotherapy.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Direct access enables comprehensive repair of large and complex tear patterns
- →Appropriate when arthroscopic repair alone cannot achieve sufficient tendon mobilisation
- →Modern suture anchor technology provides a strong, durable tendon-to-bone construct
- →Concurrent subacromial decompression performed in the arthroscopic phase
- →Mini-open approach minimises deltoid disruption versus traditional full open technique
- →Restores overhead function and shoulder strength in large tear presentations
For massive or retracted cuff tears, what matters most is achieving a tension-free repair with strong fixation. Direct access lets us see the tissue, mobilise it properly, and repair it confidently — that is what mini-open gives us.
— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan and get a personalised treatment plan.