Arthroscopic tendon repair

Repair of a rotator cuff tendon tear is usually performed arthroscopically, i.e. using state-of-the-art camera technology, so that only minimal skin incisions are required. Using special instruments and anchors, which all fit through access points just a few millimetres in size, a tendon is precisely fixed in its original attachment site. Arthroscopic tendon repair is usually performed under general anesthesia. The inpatient stay can be one night, in some cases even longer if necessary. This is followed by a 6-week period of immobilization in combination with special physiotherapy to allow the tendon to heal optimally.