Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Rotator Cuff Repair in Glendale, AZ
The rotator cuff is the group of four tendons that holds the ball of the shoulder centered in its socket and powers lifting and rotation. When a tear causes pain and weakness that do not settle with nonsurgical care, Dr. James MacKenzie performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in Glendale, Arizona, reattaching the torn tendon to bone through small incisions. His sports medicine fellowship included advanced arthroscopic shoulder surgery for professional and collegiate athletes, and he brings the same approach to weekend athletes, working adults, and retirees across the West Valley.
Why patients choose Dr. MacKenzie
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
- Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS)
- Johns Hopkins residency, sports medicine fellowship
- Former assistant team physician, Miami Dolphins & Miami Heat
- Nonsurgical options first, surgery only when needed
- Se habla español
How Rotator Cuff Tears Happen
Tears come in two forms: sudden, from a fall or lifting something heavy, and gradual, from years of wear as the tendon thins with age. The supraspinatus, the tendon that runs over the top of the shoulder, is the one most often torn. Many people over 60 have some degree of cuff tearing without knowing it. The tear becomes a problem when it causes pain, especially at night and with reaching overhead, or weakness that makes lifting the arm difficult.
Can a Rotator Cuff Tear Heal Without Surgery?
A torn tendon does not reattach to bone by itself, but that is not the same as needing surgery. Many partial and degenerative tears become comfortable and functional without an operation. Dr. MacKenzie typically starts with physical therapy to restore motion and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder, anti-inflammatory medication, and, when appropriate, a corticosteroid injection to calm inflammation. For many patients, especially those with smaller or chronic tears, this is all that is needed.
Do You Need Surgery for a Torn Rotator Cuff?
Repair is generally considered for full-thickness tears in active patients, acute traumatic tears, and tears that keep hurting or weakening despite several months of conservative care. The size, location, and age of a tear, along with the quality of the tendon and muscle, all factor into whether it can be repaired and how well it is likely to heal. An exam and an MRI give Dr. MacKenzie what he needs to advise you honestly.
How Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Works
Dr. MacKenzie performs most rotator cuff repairs arthroscopically, using a small camera and instruments inserted through incisions about the size of a buttonhole. The torn tendon is freed, the bone surface is prepared, and the tendon is reattached with suture anchors. Bone spurs that irritate the tendon can be removed and a damaged biceps tendon addressed during the same procedure. Surgery is typically outpatient, performed under general anesthesia with a regional nerve block for comfort, and takes about one to two hours.
Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery Timeline
A repaired tendon heals to bone slowly, and protecting it early helps the repair heal. The arc for most patients looks like this: a sling for roughly four to six weeks with gentle passive motion guided by your therapist; active motion beginning once the tendon has started to heal; strengthening from about three months; and a return to full activity, including overhead sports and heavy lifting, at four to six months. Timelines vary with the size of the tear and the quality of the tissue, and Dr. MacKenzie will personalize yours. Individual results vary.
When a Tear Cannot Be Repaired
Some long-standing, massive tears have retracted, or the muscle has weakened to the point that a direct repair is not reliable. Dr. MacKenzie will explain the alternatives honestly. Depending on your shoulder, those may include partial repair, tendon transfer, or, when arthritis has developed alongside the tear, reverse shoulder replacement, which is designed to restore lifting without a working cuff.
Risks
Risks of rotator cuff repair include infection, stiffness, re-tear of the repaired tendon (more likely with large or chronic tears), nerve injury, and the risks of anesthesia. Dr. MacKenzie reviews your individual risk with you before anything is scheduled. Individual results vary.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t see your question here? Our team is happy to help.
How do I know if I need rotator cuff surgery?
Persistent pain and weakness that limit daily activities despite several months of therapy, a full-thickness tear in an active patient, or a sudden tear after an injury are the usual reasons to discuss repair. An exam and MRI help confirm the tear and help Dr. MacKenzie advise you.
How long is recovery from rotator cuff surgery?
Many patients wear a sling for four to six weeks and progress through therapy over four to six months. Return to full activity depends on tear size, tissue quality, and your goals.
How long do you wear a sling after rotator cuff surgery?
Typically four to six weeks. The sling protects the repair while the tendon begins to heal to bone; your therapist starts gentle motion during that period so the shoulder does not stiffen.
When can I drive after rotator cuff surgery?
Most patients wait until they are out of the sling and no longer taking prescription pain medication, often around four to six weeks. Dr. MacKenzie will tell you when it is safe for your shoulder.
Does insurance cover rotator cuff surgery?
Rotator cuff repair for a symptomatic tear is generally covered by insurance, including Medicare, when medically necessary. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan; our office verifies your benefits before scheduling.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. MacKenzie
Call the office or request an appointment online and our team will help you take the next step.