Rotator Cuff Repair in Turkey

The rotator cuff — four muscles and tendons stabilising the shoulder — can tear partially or completely, usually through degeneration, impingement or acute injury. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Aydın repairs rotator cuff tears arthroscopically through 3 tiny portals using bioabsorbable suture anchors, avoiding the large incisions and prolonged recovery of open surgery.

1. What Is Rotator Cuff Repair?

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair reattaches the torn tendon (usually supraspinatus, sometimes infraspinatus) back to its footprint on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. 2–4 bioabsorbable suture anchors are inserted into the bone; high-strength non-absorbable sutures pass through the tendon and lock it down to the bone surface in a double-row configuration.

2. Symptoms

• Sharp pain when lifting the arm above shoulder height
• Night pain — unable to lie on the affected shoulder
• Weakness holding objects or combing hair
• Painful arc between 60–120 degrees of elevation
• MRI confirms tear size, location and muscle quality

3. The Operation

Duration: 50–80 minutes  |  Hospital stay: 1–2 nights

Performed under general anaesthesia combined with an interscalene nerve block (keeps the shoulder numb for 12–18 hours post-operatively). Camera and instruments introduced through 3 portals (5mm each). Subacromial decompression performed if bone spurs are present. Torn tendon reattached with double-row suture anchor technique.

4. Recovery Timeline

• Weeks 0–4: Sling (or abduction pillow sling for large tears). Passive pendulum exercises only.
• Weeks 4–6: Passive physiotherapy begins — assisted range of motion.
• Weeks 6–12: Active assisted exercises, progressive strengthening.
• Months 3–6: Full shoulder function, return to sport and overhead work.

5. UK vs. Turkey

Frequently Asked Questions

Also see: Turkish version of this guide  |  All treatment guides  |  Why choose Turkey?