What is Shoulder Arthroscopy with Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?
Shoulder arthroscopy and rotator cuff repair is a type of keyhole surgery undertaken to fix problems in the tendons and muscles around the shoulder joint.
Tears in these muscles and tendons weaken the overall strength of the shoulder and limit your ability to raise, lower and rotate your arm.
Self Pay Surgery Costs For Shoulder Arthroscopy with Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery In Australia
Shoulder Arthroscopy & Rotator Cuff Repair wait time in public hospitals in Australia
Public Wait Time can be up to
The Public health system in Australia has a waiting period for Orthopaedic Surgeries - 90% of Patients waited this length of time for this procedure in the 2019/2020 calendar year.
Shoulder Arthroscopy & Rotator Cuff Repair - who is it for?
Who Is Shoulder Arthroscopy with Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery For?
This surgery is for patients with weak, painful shoulders caused by partial or complete tears in their rotator cuff. These tears can develop over time through bone spurs, poor blood supply or repetitive strain, as well as through sudden trauma or injury. Any tear needs to be addressed as it will not heal on its own, leading to further pain and weakening of the shoulder in the future.
What are the benefits?
A shoulder arthroscopy with rotator cuff repair will allow your shoulder to regain strength over time and reduce severe pain in the process. The recovery period following the procedure and pain involved is greatly reduced thanks to minimally invasive keyhole surgery.
What happens During Surgery?
You will be put under a general anaesthetic for the procedure.
An incision will be made around your shoulder. Your surgeon will insert an arthroscope (small camera) through the incision to see the inside of your shoulder. Images will be relayed on a screen, allowing your surgeon to inspect tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone for damage. Your surgeon will then determine which tendons and muscles in and around the rotator cuff need to be loosened or repaired, as well as what damaged tissue needs to be removed.
An extra two or three incisions will be made around your shoulder so your surgeon can better access the areas requiring treatment. Instruments will then be inserted to extract damaged tissue, loosen tightened muscles and tendons, and carry out repairs. Bone can also be shaved off if required.
Your surgeon will next repair your rotator cuff. The edges of torn tendons will be drawn together and joined to the bone with the aid of anchors and sutures.
Shoulder arthroscopy and rotator cuff surgery usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes.
How long Will I Stay in hospital?
Patients undergoing this procedure should be able to go home the same day.
What is my recovery time?
A period of up to nine months may be necessary to make a full recovery.
The tendons in the rotator cuff initially heal over six weeks, but will need up to three months to form a solid attachment to the bone. The rotator will then completely heal over the following six months.
Most patients wear a sling for several weeks after surgery in order to protect their shoulder during the early stages of healing.
It is common to experience pain and soreness in the immediate months following surgery as your shoulder heals. Painkillers can be prescribed to help mitigate pain.
Your shoulder can be strengthened and regain range of movement through sessions with a physiotherapist.
Many patients return to their normal lives within six months of their surgery.
Do you qualify for This Self Pay Procedure?
You are suitable for this surgery if:
- You are over 16 years of age
- You are not pregnant
- You do not require complex rehabilitation or have a chronic disease that would require immediate post-operative care in an intensive care unit
- You do not have sickle cell anaemia, renal failure or have had a cardiac arrest or cardiac intervention (e.g. insertions of stents) in the last six months
Payment Plans
If you’re looking for ways to pay for your surgery, there are options available with Self Pay Surgery. From using your own superannuation, to getting finance from one of our Pay Later payment providers, check our Payment Plans page for the details.
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