✦ Gold Standard Shoulder Surgery

Rotator Cuff Repair

Q: What is the difference between single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair?

Single-row uses one row of anchors along the medial tendon edge. Double-row adds a lateral row to recreate the full native footprint contact area. Double-row provides broader tendon-to-bone contact and is preferred for medium and large tear patterns.

Q: How long does a repaired rotator cuff tendon take to biologically heal?

Tendon-to-bone healing takes approximately 3–4 months. Full strength restoration occurs over 4–6 months. During this period, a graduated rehabilitation programme carefully controls load to protect the repair while progressively restoring function.

Q: What is the risk of the repair failing after surgery?

Re-tear rates vary with tear size — small tears heal reliably, while large tears carry re-tear rates of 20–40%. Even with a partial re-tear, the majority of patients still achieve significant improvement in pain and shoulder function after surgery.

Q: When is rotator cuff repair no longer a viable option?

When a tear is massive and irreparable due to severe tendon retraction, complete fatty muscle infiltration, or tissue that cannot hold sutures, direct repair is not feasible. Superior capsular reconstruction or shoulder replacement are then considered.

Torn rotator cuff tendons are reattached to their bone footprint using suture anchors — restoring the shoulder's strength, stability, and the ability to lift, reach, and move without pain.

45–90 min PROCEDURE

Day Care HOSPITAL STAY

>85% SUCCESS RATE

4–6 Months FULL RECOVERY

What is Rotator Cuff Repair?

Rotator cuff repair reattaches the torn tendon — most commonly the supraspinatus — back to the greater tuberosity of the humerus using suture anchors that hold the tendon against the bone while biological healing occurs. For most small to medium tears, the procedure is performed entirely arthroscopically. Suture anchors are inserted into the bone at the tendon footprint, sutures are passed through the tendon, and the two are tied together under appropriate tension. Dr. Sai Kishan performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at Lux Hospitals using single-row and double-row anchor configurations selected based on tear pattern, tendon quality, and the size of the repair.

Recommended for patients with a confirmed partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tear producing pain, weakness, and functional limitation — particularly those who are active, under 70, have repairable tissue quality, and have not improved after a dedicated period of conservative management.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Setup

General or interscalene block; beach-chair or lateral position for optimal arthroscopic shoulder access.

Diagnostic Arthroscopy

The joint and subacromial space are assessed — tear size, tissue quality, biceps status, and acromial morphology are characterised before proceeding.

Subacromial Decompression

Bursectomy and acromial smoothing are performed to provide a clear operating field and remove any impinging structures above the repair.

Tendon-to-Bone Fixation

Anchors loaded with sutures are inserted at the tendon footprint; sutures are shuttled through the tendon and tied, pulling it firmly back to the bone.

Portal Closure & Sling Application

Portals are closed; a sling is applied; a structured rehabilitation protocol begins within 48 hours of surgery.

Outcomes

45–90 minDURATION

Day CaseHOSPITAL STAY

>85%SUCCESS RATE

4–6 MonthsRETURN TO SPORT

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Restores the structural integrity of the rotator cuff — eliminating pain and weakness
→Day-case arthroscopic procedure — small portals and same-day discharge
→Subacromial decompression performed as part of the same operative session
→Double-row repair reproduces the anatomic tendon footprint for a stronger construct
→Stops the tear from enlarging and causing progressive irreparable damage
→Over 85% of patients achieve meaningful, sustained pain relief and functional improvement

Rotator cuff repair is about restoring what the tear has taken away — the ability to sleep comfortably, to reach, to lift, to function independently. Getting that back for a patient is one of the most rewarding outcomes in shoulder surgery.

— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

What is the difference between single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair?+

How long does a repaired rotator cuff tendon take to biologically heal?+

What is the risk of the repair failing after surgery?+

When is rotator cuff repair no longer a viable option?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan and get a personalised treatment plan.

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