Surgery in order to repair a torn rotator cuff generally comprises re-attaching the tendon with the humerus head. However, a partial tear may require only a smoothing or trimming method known as a debridement. A comprehensive tear is repaired by stitching the tendon back to its original location on the humerus.
Some of the functional impairment and causes that might be present after the surgery are:
1. Joint contracture and stiffness are the most usual functional impairment witnessed after the surgery.
2. Pain or stiffness that would not go away.
3. Infection of the shoulder joint or the incision.
4. Damage to the deltoid muscle or tendon.
5. Destruction of a nerve or blood vessel that is not common.
6. The requirement of repeated surgery as tendons do not heal completely or may tear again.
7. The complex regional pain syndrome that is rare.