When Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Recommended?

If rotator cuff surgery has been recommended as an option for a torn rotator cuff it is often secondary to:

- Your pain did not improve with nonsurgical methods

- Continued pain is the main indication for surgery

- If you are very active and use your arms for overhead work or sports and the tear size is significant

Other signs that surgery may be a good option for you include:

• Your symptoms have lasted 6 to 12 months
• You have a large tear (more than 3 cm) and the quality of the surrounding tendon tissue is good
• You have significant weakness and loss of function in your shoulder
• Your tear was caused by a recent, acute injury