Evan L. Flatow, M.D. and Herbert Irving, M.D.

As modern surgical procedures for rotator cuff surgery continue to improve, several aspects need to be continually emphasized. These will help to insure adequate relief from preoperative pain and to ensure restored function and mobility to the entire joint. The procedures presented here explain how to preserve the proper anatomy while continuing to provide the necessary tendon mobilization.

Dr. Evan Flatow presents the steps involved in the proper management of rotator cuff surgery. These steps include preserving the deltoid, decompression to relieve subacromial impingement, mobilization of the muscle tendon unit, repair of the torn tendons, and postoperative rehabilitation. Several modifications to standard rotator cuff procedures are shown. For instance, the origin of the deltoid split is moved from the anterior AC joint to the anterior lateral corner of the acromion and angled more posteriorly. Another modification involves an interval release in tendon mobilization.

By combining these modifications with the proper rehabilitative considerations, Dr. Flatow has noted excellent results with one patient group reporting over 80% without deterioration out to 15 years of follow-up. By learning these techniques, Dr. Flatow feels the surgeon will find the results long-lasting in relieving pain and restoring strength and function.

References
1. Rockwood CA Severe Rotator Cuff-Tear: Arthropathy and the Large Humeral Head Video J Ortho 1992:7(4):Seg 1

• Total Run Time: 23:24 minutes
• Catalog Number: 7029
• Publication Date: April 1995

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