What Is Double Rotator Cuff Repair?

The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that stabilizes the shoulder and allows you to move your arm away from your body. A rotator cuff tear is simply a tear of your shoulder’s rotator cuff tendons. A rotator cuff tear can occur in three ways – sports injury, trauma, or repetitive overuse. Most rotator cuff tears will require surgery that repairs the damaged tendon, as well as restores range of motion and function to the area.  A double row procedure, or double rotator cuff repair, better restores normal anatomy and should be the treatment of choice.

How is Double Rotator Cuff Surgery Performed?

Dr. Goradia of G2 Orthopedics performs most double rotator cuff repairs via arthroscopic surgery. The video below explains how Dr. Goradia repairs these tears with real footage of an arthroscopic repair.

After cleaning up areas of bursitis he removes the torn edges of the rotator cuff and residual tissue on the bone, which leaves a healthy surface to re-attach the tendon. Then, a small hole is made in the bone, an anchor inserted and suture tape is attached to the anchor.  The Arthrex anchor Dr. Goradia uses is made of material that will actually turn into bone over time.

In double rotator cuff surgery the two sets of fiber tape are crisscrossed over top of the rotator cuff tissue and secured to the bone with additional anchors.  This is called a lateral row.

Benefits of Double Rotator Cuff Surgery

Double rotator repair can provide a secure and low profile repair with excellent contact between tendon and bone. This means better stability in rotation and a better outcome.

Am I a Candidate For Double Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Only a trained orthopedic surgeon can make a proper recommendation, but in most cases, this type of surgery is recommended for patients with massive tears.  Many patients consult Dr. Goradia for a second opinion regarding a rotator cuff tear if they have been told elsewhere that their tear cannot be repaired at all or that it can’t be done arthroscopically.

If you have experienced a rotator cuff tear and want to find out more about treatment options, contact Dr. Goradia for an appointment. He serves patients throughout the greater Richmond, Virginia area and beyond, seeing patients in his Glen Allen and Midlothian offices.