What type of preparation needs to take place before rotator cuff surgery for rotator cuff tears?
Rotator cuff surgery is considered for healthy and motivated individuals in whom rotator cuff tears interferes with shoulder function. Successful rotator cuff surgery depends on a partnership between the patient and the experienced shoulder surgeon. The patient’s motivation and dedication are important elements of the partnership. Patients should optimize their health so that they will be in the best possible condition for this procedure. Smoking should be stopped a month before surgery and not resumed for at least three months afterwards–ideally, never. This is because smoking interferes with the healing of the rotator cuff repair and the strength of the cuff tendon. Any heart, lung, kidney, bladder, tooth, or gum problems should be managed before surgery. Any infection may be a reason to delay the operation. The patient’s shoulder surgeon needs to be aware of all health issues, including allergies and non-prescription and prescription medications being taken. Some of these may need
