Rotator Cuff Injury | Revision Rotator Cuff Surgery | Tendon Transfer for Rotator Cuff

My Rotator Cuff Surgery Failed; I’m Seeking Information on Revision Rotator Cuff Surgery. Can You Help?

Dear Dr. Millett,

I injured my shoulder last summer and was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff. It was a very serious injury, and I had surgery and it appears that the surgery did not take. I am seeking information on what my options are with a failed rotator cuff repair. I have read about revision rotator cuff surgery and I’m seeking further help. What are my treatment options?

Thanks,
Carl M.

Dear Carl,

Rotator cuff surgeries for a rotator cuff injury do at times fail for a variety of different reasons. It is important to seek the care of experienced specialist in a situation such as yours. It is also important to figure out why the tendon failed to heal. If the torn rotator cuff tendon is still repairable, as determined by an MRI, you may consider a revision rotator cuff surgery in which the tendon is reattached surgically. If however the tendon is of poor quality, you may need to consider other options. Sometimes we augment the repair with a collagen patch to reinforce the repair. The collagen patch serves to provide additional support for the repair and helps new cells to heal the damaged area of the tendon. In other cases of massive irreparable tears, one may need to consider a tendon transfer surgery. This is usually considered the last resort for repeated rotator cuff injuries or irreparable tears and can yield positive results. During a tendon transfer for rotator cuff repair, another healthy tendon and its muscle are moved from one location to another to substitute for the chronically torn rotator cuff tendons. The tendon transfer for rotator cuff repair is completed principally to alleviate pain and secondarily so that lost function of the shoulder can be regained. There are a number of criteria that a patient must meet to be permitted to receive this surgery. Some of the criteria include good physical health, strong bones, strong muscles to transfer and an understanding and willingness to follow the strict rehabilitation protocol that is necessary.

For more information on revision rotator cuff surgery, please call my office or look at my website where additional resources can be found.

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!

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My Rotator Cuff Surgery Failed. Can You Help?

My Rotator Cuff Surgery Failed; I’m Seeking Information on Revision Rotator Cuff Surgery. Can You Help?