Rotator Cuff Repair

Dr. Michael C. Fu MD (Hospital for Special Surgery) · Michael C. Fu, MD, MHS

Weight-Bearing

N/A

Key Restrictions

Sling with abduction pillow; small/medium: PROM starts wk 2 (elevation to 90, ER to 30); large/massive: PROM starts wk 4; no ROM behind back or cross-body adduction for 6-8 wks; no strengthening until 12 wks (16 wks for large/massive)

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-6/8 wks, protective): sling + staged PROM -> Phase II (6/8-12 wks, motion recovery): full PROM + AAROM -> Phase III (3-6 months, strengthening): RC strengthening + return to sport

Notes

Distinguishes small/medium vs large/massive tear timelines; Sharpey fiber integration not until 12 wks; stiffness risk factors (age <50, DM, thyroid) monitored closely

Surgeon / Author

Michael C. Fu, MD, MHS