Your Dedicated Orthopedic Surgeon
Rotator Cuff Repair in Buffalo, NY
A sharp pain in your shoulder when you reach overhead, weakness when lifting objects, or a dull ache that keeps you up at night—these are all classic rotator cuff tear symptoms. The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilize your shoulder, and when one or more of them tear, it can severely limit your ability to work, play sports, or even perform simple daily tasks. While some tears can be managed with physical therapy, many require surgical repair to restore strength and eliminate pain. Choosing the right specialist is critical for a successful outcome.
At Buffalo Orthopedics, Dr. Parentis offers an unparalleled combination of expertise and personalized attention. With over 25 years of experience and a double fellowship in sports medicine, he is one of the premier rotator cuff tear specialists in the region. Our solo practice is built on a friendly atmosphere where you are treated like family, not a case number. You will see Dr. Parentis himself at many of your visits, ensuring a continuity of care that is simply not possible in larger, impersonal clinics. We are currently accepting new patients, including those from Williamsville, NY, and welcome Workers' Compensation cases.
If you are searching for "rotator cuff surgeons near me" who will provide expert, one-on-one care, you have come to the right place. Contact Buffalo Orthopedics today to schedule your consultation.
716-508-8252
What is Rotator Cuff Repair and How Does it Work?
The rotator cuff is a network of tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A tear occurs when one of these tendons pulls away from the bone, either from a sudden injury or due to wear and tear over time. Rotator cuff repair is a surgical procedure designed to reattach the torn tendon to the bone.
The surgery is most often performed arthroscopically. Dr. Parentis makes several small incisions around your shoulder and inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope) to view the inside of the joint on a screen. He then uses miniature surgical instruments to remove any damaged tissue and securely reattach the tendon to the bone using small devices called suture anchors. This minimally invasive approach results in less pain, reduced scarring, and a faster initial recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
Finding a top-tier orthopedic doctor near you is easy. If you are seeking care from an orthopedic surgeon in Williamsville, NY, or the greater Buffalo area, we are ready to help. Buffalo Orthopedics is accepting new patients. Simply call our office to speak with our friendly local staff, who can help you book a consultation with Dr. Parentis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rotator Cuff Repair
What Does Rotator Cuff Surgery Treat or Help With?
The primary purpose of rotator cuff tear surgery is to alleviate pain and restore function to the affected shoulder. When a rotator cuff tendon is torn, the shoulder loses both strength and stability, leading to a variety of disruptive symptoms.
Effective rotator cuff tear treatment helps with:
- Pain Relief: Especially pain at night or pain with overhead activities.
- Restoring Strength: Allowing you to lift objects and perform daily tasks without weakness.
- Improving Range of Motion: Re-establishing the ability to reach and move the arm freely.
- Preventing Further Damage: A repaired tendon can prevent the tear from getting larger and stop the progression of arthritis in the joint.
By repairing the anatomical damage, the surgery provides a long-term solution to the mechanical problems caused by the tear.
What Happens During a Rotator Cuff Repair Appointment?
Your first visit to Buffalo Orthopedics is a personal, in-depth consultation, most likely with Dr. Parentis. He believes that exceptional care begins with listening. He will want to know how your shoulder pain started, what movements make it worse, and how it impacts your quality of life.
Next, he will conduct a thorough physical examination. This includes a rotator cuff tear test, where he assesses your strength and range of motion and performs specific maneuvers to isolate which tendons might be injured. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and severity of the tear, an MRI is usually required. Once all the information is gathered, Dr. Parentis will sit down with you to explain the findings in plain language. He will discuss all your treatment options, from medication and physical therapy to surgery, ensuring you have the knowledge to make an informed decision.
Is Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery Safe?
Rotator cuff repair is a very common and safe procedure with high success rates, particularly when performed by a fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist like Dr. Parentis. His expertise in arthroscopic techniques minimizes tissue damage, which contributes to a safer procedure and smoother recovery.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, stiffness (frozen shoulder), nerve damage, or failure of the tendon to heal. Dr. Parentis will have a frank discussion with you about these risks. He takes every precaution, from meticulous surgical technique to a carefully managed post-operative plan, to minimize complications. His hands-on approach ensures he is personally monitoring your progress to catch any potential issues early.
How is Surgery Different from Other Treatment Options?
Non-surgical rotator cuff tear treatment is often the first step, especially for partial tears or in older, less active patients. This can include rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles. For some, this is enough to manage the symptoms.
However, surgery is fundamentally different because it provides a structural fix. A completely torn tendon cannot heal back to the bone on its own. Physical therapy can strengthen other muscles to compensate, but it cannot fix the tear itself. Rotator cuff tear surgery is the only treatment that physically reattaches the tendon, restoring the normal anatomy and mechanics of the shoulder. For active individuals or those with significant pain and weakness, surgery often offers the best chance for a full return to function.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Recovery from rotator cuff surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience and a commitment to the rehabilitation protocol to protect the repair. The tendon takes several months to heal securely back to the bone. The recovery process is typically broken into phases:
- Initial Immobilization (6 weeks): You will wear a sling to protect the shoulder and allow the tendon to begin healing. You will not be able to actively lift or move your arm during this period.
- Active and Passive Motion (Starting around 6 weeks): A physical therapist will begin to move your arm for you to prevent stiffness while the repair continues to heal.
- Strengthening (8-9 weeks): Once the tendon has healed, you will start exercises to rebuild strength in the shoulder.
A full return to all activities, especially sports or heavy labor, can take 6 months to a year. Dr. Parentis and his team will guide you through each stage of this journey.