Rotator Cuff Repair
Arthroscopic reattachment of a torn rotator cuff tendon back to the humeral bone using suture anchors — restoring shoulder strength, stability, and pain-free overhead function.
What is Rotator Cuff Repair?
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that surround the shoulder joint, providing dynamic stability and enabling rotation, elevation, and internal/external rotation of the arm. Rotator cuff tears — whether from acute injury or chronic degenerative wear — cause persistent shoulder pain, weakness, and inability to lift the arm. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair uses suture anchors inserted into the bone to reattach the torn tendon back to its footprint on the greater tuberosity. The procedure is performed entirely through small arthroscopic portals — no large incisions — with same-day or next-day discharge and a structured rehabilitation programme.
Suitable for patients with symptomatic partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tears causing significant pain, weakness, and functional limitation that has not responded to a minimum of 3 months of physiotherapy and injections. Massive irreparable tears may require reverse shoulder replacement instead.
How the Procedure Works
Diagnostic Arthroscopy
The full shoulder is inspected; the tear is characterised — size, pattern (crescent, U-shaped, L-shaped), and retraction.
Tendon Preparation
The torn tendon edge is freshened with a shaver; the greater tuberosity footprint is decorticated to create a vascular healing bed.
Suture Anchor Placement
Metal or bioabsorbable suture anchors are inserted into the prepared bone footprint at the appropriate positions.
Tendon Reattachment
Sutures are passed through the tendon in a mattress or double-row configuration and tied, firmly approximating tendon to bone.
Sling & Physiotherapy
Arm immobilised in a sling for 4–6 weeks; structured physiotherapy begins at week 1 with passive motion and progresses to active strengthening.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Fully arthroscopic — no large incisions, minimal scarring
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Suture anchor technology allows secure, anatomical tendon-to-bone repair
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Associated impingement decompressed in the same sitting
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Same-day or next-day discharge
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Structured rehabilitation programme with clear milestone targets
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Restores shoulder strength for overhead work and sport
"Rotator cuff repair requires patience from both the surgeon and the patient. The surgery takes an hour — the healing takes six months. The tendon needs to grow back onto the bone, and that biological process cannot be rushed. But when it works well, patients regain a shoulder they thought they had lost."
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic Consultant and Trauma Surgeon , Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Rotator Cuff Repair Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Rotator Cuff Repair in Hyderabad at Lux Hospitals generally ranges from ₹90,000 to ₹2,50,000, depending on the surgical technique. Mini-open or open rotator cuff repair generally ranges from ₹90,000 to ₹1,80,000, with an average estimated cost of ₹1,35,000. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair generally ranges from ₹1,20,000 to ₹2,50,000, with an average estimated cost of ₹1,85,000. The final cost depends on the size and complexity of the tear, tendon quality, surgical approach and any additional procedures required.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Mini-open / open repair | ₹90,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Large or retracted tear | ₹90,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Standard full-thickness tear | ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Standard cuff tear | ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
The source data lists ₹90,000–₹1,80,000 for open or mini-open repair and ₹1,20,000–₹2,50,000 for arthroscopic repair. These are indicative ranges, and the final package should be confirmed based on the patient's diagnosis, surgical technique, implant requirements and associated procedures.
Factors Affecting Rotator Cuff Repair Cost in Hyderabad
The total cost of rotator cuff repair varies according to the characteristics of the tear and the technique required. Important factors include:
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Size and severity of the rotator cuff tear, including whether the tear is partial-thickness, full-thickness, large or involves multiple tendons
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Degree of tendon retraction and tissue quality, particularly when the torn tendon has pulled away from its normal attachment or has significant degeneration
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Surgical approach, including arthroscopic, mini-open or open repair, depending on the tear pattern and surgical requirements
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Number of tendons involved, as tears affecting multiple rotator cuff tendons may require a more complex repair
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Number and type of suture anchors or other fixation materials required to reattach the tendon securely to the bone
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Condition of the shoulder joint and surrounding structures, including associated biceps tendon, labral, cartilage or acromial abnormalities that may require additional treatment
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Preoperative investigations such as shoulder X-rays, ultrasound or MRI, which help determine tear size, tendon quality and associated pathology
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Anaesthesia, operating-room charges, surgical consumables, medicines and hospital or day-care charges, which can vary according to the complexity of the procedure
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Postoperative physiotherapy and rehabilitation requirements, which are important for restoring shoulder movement and strength after tendon repair and are generally billed separately
Insurance Coverage for Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff repair may be covered by health insurance when medically necessary, subject to the policy's terms, exclusions, waiting periods, pre-authorization requirements and applicable procedure limits. Coverage may vary depending on the surgical approach, associated procedures and fixation materials used.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Satish Reddy, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, can evaluate patients with rotator cuff tears and determine whether arthroscopic, mini-open or open repair is appropriate based on symptoms, physical examination, imaging and tear characteristics. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Shoulder pain, weakness and restricted movement, including difficulty lifting the arm, reaching overhead or performing routine daily activities History and duration of symptoms, including whether the problem developed after an injury or progressed gradually over time Clinical shoulder examination to assess strength, range of motion, tendon function and signs of rotator cuff involvement MRI, ultrasound or X-ray findings to determine the size, location, retraction and quality of the torn tendon Number of rotator cuff tendons involved and whether the tear is associated with biceps, labral, cartilage or other shoulder abnormalities Degree of tendon retraction, muscle condition and tissue quality, which can influence whether the tendon is suitable for repair and which surgical approach may be appropriate Whether arthroscopic, mini-open or open repair is more suitable based on the tear pattern, tissue condition and overall shoulder pathology Expected rehabilitation, sling use, physiotherapy requirements and gradual return to daily activities following rotator cuff repair
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