Imagine you are at the gym, hitting your bench press PR, when suddenly you hear a "snap" in your shoulder. The pain is immediate, but you push through, thinking it’s just a sprain. Fast forward a month, and the pain hasn't subsided you can’t even lift your arm without discomfort.

This is a classic scenario for many patients who visit us at OrthoSport. In a recent case discussion, Dr. Manu Bora, a renowned expert in arthroscopic sports medicine, broke down the complexities of a Rotator Cuff Tear and why the treatment method you choose matters more than you think.

If you are struggling with shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with a supraspinatus tear, this guide is for you.

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Understanding Your Injury: What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder. In the video, Dr. Manu Bora explains a specific case of a Full Thickness Partial Tear of the supraspinatus tendon.

• What it means: The tendon has detached from the bone (footprint), but because it is a "partial" tear in terms of width (the sides are still attached), you might still be able to lift your arm.
• The Trap: Because you can still move your arm, you might delay treatment. However, Dr. Bora warns that the tear doesn't heal on its own. Instead, it retracts (pulls back) at a rate of approximately 1 cm per year.

The Danger of Delay: If you wait too long, the tendon retracts so far that it becomes irreparable. The sooner you address it, the simpler the surgery and the better the result.

Pro Tip: Don't wait for total loss of movement. If you have persistent shoulder pain after a gym injury, get an MRI immediately.

The Solution: Single Row vs. Double Row Repair

Not all surgeries are created equal. When repairing a torn rotator cuff, the goal is to reattach the tendon to the humerus bone so it can heal naturally.

1. Single Row Repair (The Old Way)

In a single row repair, the surgeon uses one row of anchors to stitch the tendon back.

• The Problem: It creates a small contact area between the tendon and the bone. Think of it like using a single piece of tape to hold a heavy poster—it might hold for a while, but it's weak.

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2. Double Row Knotless Repair (The Advanced Way)

Dr. Manu Bora advocates for Arthroscopic Double Row Repair, specifically using Knotless Anchors (often from top brands like Arthrex).

• How it Works: The surgeon places anchors closer to the joint (Medial Row) and passes tapes over the tendon to a second set of anchors (Lateral Row).
• The Benefit: This creates a "seatbelt" effect, pressing the tendon firmly against the bone over a large surface area.
• Why it Wins:
  • Stronger Fixation: Much higher load-to-failure strength.
  • Better Healing: The larger contact area allows the tendon to fuse with the bone faster and more securely.
  • No Knots: No irritation from bulky sutures inside your shoulder.

For more details on advanced shoulder procedures, visit our Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery Page.

Watch Dr. Manu Bora Explain Rotator Cuff Repair Costs

The Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

A common fear is the recovery time. Dr. Bora outlines a clear, 3-phase protocol for Double Row Repair patients:

• Immobilization (0-6 Weeks):
  • Your arm will be in a sling. This is crucial because the tendon needs time to biologically heal (stick) to the bone. If you move it too early, the anchors might cut through the soft tendon.
• Range of Motion (6 Weeks - 3 Months):
  • The sling comes off. You will feel stiffness (which is normal). Physiotherapy focuses on getting your hand up and moving again.
• Strength Training (3 Months - 6 Months):
  • Once full motion is back, you start strengthening the muscles that wasted away during rest. By 6 months, most athletes are back to full functional capacity.

If you are also dealing with knee issues, check out our world-class ACL Surgery Services or learn about Internal Brace Technology.

Patient Success Story: Back from the Bench Press Injury

In the video, a patient shares his experience of snapping his shoulder during a bench press. Despite the pain, he delayed treatment for 30 days. After consulting Dr. Manu Bora, he underwent surgery the very next day.

Result: Just 5 days post-surgery, he reported feeling very comfortable with almost zero pain and no need for painkillers. This rapid comfort is a hallmark of minimally invasive Shoulder Arthroscopy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between Single Row and Double Row Rotator Cuff Repair?

Single row uses one set of anchors and has less contact area. Double row uses two sets of anchors, pressing the tendon flat against the bone for a larger healing surface and significantly higher strength.

2. Can a Rotator Cuff Tear heal without surgery?

Small, partial tears might be managed with physiotherapy, but full-thickness tears do not heal on their own. They tend to retract and get larger over time.

3. How fast does a rotator cuff tear get worse?

According to Dr. Manu Bora, a tear can retract (pull back) at a rate of roughly 1 cm per year if left untreated.

4. What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?

Common symptoms include pain when lifting the arm, weakness, a "snapping" sound during injury, and pain at night preventing sleep.

5. How long do I have to wear a sling after surgery?

You will typically wear a sling for 6 weeks to allow the tendon to bond biologically with the bone.

6. When can I start driving after rotator cuff surgery?

Usually, patients can return to driving after the sling is removed and they have adequate range of motion, typically around the 6-8 week mark.

7. Is the surgery painful?

With advanced arthroscopic techniques, post-operative pain is minimal. Many patients, like the one in the video, stop taking painkillers within a few days.

8. What anchors are used in the surgery?

Dr. Manu Bora uses high-quality, bio-absorbable, or PEEK knotless anchors from top companies like Arthrex.

9. Will the anchors show up in future MRIs?

Bio-absorbable anchors eventually dissolve and are replaced by bone. They do not interfere with future MRI scans.

10. How long is the total recovery time?

You can usually return to desk work in a few weeks, but full recovery for sports and heavy lifting takes about 6 months.

11. What happens if I don't get surgery?

The muscle will atrophy (waste away) and turn into fat (fatty infiltration). Once this happens, the tear becomes irreparable, potentially leading to shoulder arthritis.

12. Can I do bench press after rotator cuff surgery?

Yes, but only after you have fully recovered and completed your strength training rehabilitation, usually after 6 months.

13. What is "Knotless" repair?

Knotless repair means the sutures are secured without tying knots on top of the tendon. This reduces friction and irritation in the shoulder joint.

14. Is an MRI necessary for diagnosis?

Yes, an MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing the size, retraction, and quality of the rotator cuff tendon.

15. Can I get a free opinion on my MRI?

Yes, you can WhatsApp your MRI report to OrthoSport for a free expert opinion from Dr. Manu Bora.

16. Why is my shoulder stiff after surgery?

Stiffness is a natural result of immobilization. It protects the repair. Range of motion exercises after 6 weeks will resolve this.

17. What is the cost of Rotator Cuff Surgery in India?

The cost varies based on the implant used (single vs. double row). Contact us via the WhatsApp button for a specific estimate.

18. Do I need to stay in the hospital overnight?

Arthroscopic repair is often a day-care or single-night stay procedure.

19. What is the "Bridge" technique?

The "Bridge" or "Suture Bridge" technique is another name for the Double Row repair where tapes cross over the tendon like a bridge, compressing it against the bone.

20. Where can I find Dr. Manu Bora for consultation?

Dr. Manu Bora is available at OrthoSport clinics in Gurgaon, Mumbai, and Bangalore. You can book via the website or WhatsApp.

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