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.
Indicated for large, massive, or complex rotator cuff tears — including those with significant tendon retraction, low tissue quality, or previous failed arthroscopic repair — where direct access offers stronger, more reliable tendon-to-bone fixation than can be achieved through a purely keyhole approach.
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
Mini-Open / Open Rotator Cuff Repair Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Mini-Open / Open Rotator Cuff Repair in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹90,000 to ₹1,80,000, with an average cost of around ₹1,35,000. The final expense may vary depending on the size and severity of the tear, degree of tendon retraction, surgical approach, implant requirements, investigations, hospitalisation and rehabilitation needs.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Large or retracted tear | ₹90,000 ₹1,80,000 |
| Large tear, open approach | ₹90,000 ₹1,80,000 |
The final cost may vary based on the size and location of the rotator cuff tear, tendon retraction, tissue quality, surgical approach, fixation implants, anaesthesia, hospital stay and post-operative rehabilitation requirements.
Factors Affecting Mini-Open / Open Rotator Cuff Repair Cost
The overall cost of rotator cuff repair depends on the characteristics of the tendon tear, the surgical approach selected and the level of care required before and after surgery.
- →
Size, location and severity of the rotator cuff tear, including whether the tendon is significantly retracted
- →
Condition and quality of the torn tendon and surrounding shoulder tissues
- →
Whether the repair requires a mini-open or open surgical approach based on the tear characteristics
- →
Type and number of anchors, sutures or other fixation materials required to secure the tendon
- →
Presence of associated shoulder conditions that may require treatment during the same surgical procedure
- →
Pre-operative MRI, X-rays, blood tests and other investigations required for surgical planning
- →
Surgeon, anaesthesia, operating-room and surgical equipment charges
- →
Hospitalisation, medications, wound care and post-operative monitoring
- →
Shoulder immobilisation, physiotherapy and structured rehabilitation following repair
- →
Follow-up consultations and any additional treatment required during recovery
Insurance Coverage for Mini-Open / Open Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff repair performed for a medically necessary shoulder injury may be covered under health insurance, subject to the policy terms, network hospital provisions, approved package and applicable exclusions or deductibles. Patients should confirm coverage and pre-authorisation requirements with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Sai Kishan
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, is recommended for patients with suspected or confirmed rotator cuff tears. The consultation can help determine the extent of the injury and whether mini-open, open or another surgical approach is appropriate based on clinical and imaging findings. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Shoulder pain, weakness, restricted movement and difficulty performing daily or overhead activities History and mechanism of the shoulder injury, including traumatic or degenerative causes MRI and X-ray findings to evaluate tear size, tendon retraction and associated shoulder damage Condition of the rotator cuff tendons and surrounding shoulder structures Whether the tear is suitable for repair and which surgical approach may be appropriate Expected recovery, shoulder immobilisation, physiotherapy and rehabilitation requirements
Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan SirasalaCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan and get a personalised treatment plan.