torn rotator cuff

Today Don is having torn rotator cuff surgery.

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In August the rotator cuff on his right shoulder tore when he caught a ball while pitching for his kickball team.

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The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep the arm in its ball and socket. These tendons keep the shoulder muscles attached to the shoulder and arm bones. Don's rotator cuff tore from the shoulder bone, so the surgeon will reattach it with suture anchors (think staples).

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He won't spend the night, it's outpatient surgery. But recovery for rotator cuff surgery is long and painful, partly because there is not a lot of blood flow in tendons. He will have to endure 5 months of rehab.

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The surgeon will also remove a bone spur on his shoulder, and she'll look for any bursa that might be lurking.

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The images are from University of Wisconsin Health.