Shoulder Surgery and Rotator Cuff Repair in Surat
Dr. Aman Khanna, M.S. Orthopaedics, performs arthroscopic shoulder surgery and rotator cuff repair in Surat, consulting at Mahavir Hospital, Athwa, and Prish Hospital, Vesu, for patients with rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and instability. See also: Frozen shoulder — symptoms and treatment.
What is the rotator cuff and why does it tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles — supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis — that surround and stabilise the shoulder joint. Their tendons attach to the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) and work together to allow the wide range of movement the shoulder achieves while keeping the ball centred in the socket.
Tears occur when one or more of these tendons are damaged. Common causes include:
- Acute injury — a fall onto an outstretched arm, a direct blow or a sudden pull can tear the tendon abruptly, often in younger and more active patients.
- Overhead sports activity — repetitive overhead motions in sports such as cricket, swimming and racquet sports place sustained load on the cuff, increasing the risk of gradual tear.
- Degenerative wear — with age, tendons lose elasticity and blood supply, making them susceptible to tearing with even minor stress. Degenerative tears are the most common type overall.
- Shoulder impingement — when the cuff tendons are repeatedly pinched between the humeral head and the acromion (roof of the shoulder), progressive damage and eventual tearing can follow. Impingement is closely related to rotator cuff disease and is often managed at the same time.
Tears range from partial-thickness (some fibres remain intact) to full-thickness (the tendon is completely detached). The size, location and chronicity of a tear influence which treatment approach is most appropriate.
Rotator cuff repair vs shoulder impingement surgery
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
The torn cuff tendon is reattached to the bone through small keyhole portals. This approach is used for full-thickness tears, large partial-thickness tears that have not responded to conservative management, and tears causing significant weakness. Being minimally invasive, it avoids the larger incisions of open surgery.
Subacromial Decompression
A bone spur beneath the acromion is removed and the bursa (fluid-filled sac causing irritation) is cleared — a procedure called bursectomy — to create more space for the cuff tendons. This is the primary surgical treatment for isolated shoulder impingement and is often performed in combination with rotator cuff repair when both problems are present.
The choice between these procedures — and whether surgery is indicated at all — is made at consultation after reviewing the patient's symptoms, MRI findings, tear size, chronicity and age. Both are performed arthroscopically where possible.
What to expect — arthroscopy, recovery and return to activity
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed through small portals under general anaesthesia. Recovery follows a structured rehabilitation programme, though timelines vary according to the procedure performed, tear size and the patient's individual progress.
- Sling protection — after rotator cuff repair, the shoulder is protected in a sling for several weeks to allow the repaired tendon to begin healing back to the bone. The duration depends on the size and nature of the repair.
- Early physiotherapy — gentle range-of-motion exercises begin early, under physiotherapy guidance, to prevent stiffness while protecting the repair. Active strengthening is introduced progressively as healing advances.
- Return to light activity — most patients can manage light daily tasks at a reduced level within a few weeks; the timeline varies and is guided by the physiotherapist and surgeon.
- Return to overhead work and sport — overhead activity and sport typically require several months of progressive rehabilitation. Returning too early before the tendon is adequately healed risks re-tear, so adherence to the programme is important.
- Subacromial decompression alone — when performed without cuff repair, recovery is generally faster, with many patients regaining comfortable shoulder movement within a few weeks to months.
An individualised recovery plan is discussed at the pre-operative consultation so patients know what to expect at each stage.
Why see Dr. Aman Khanna for shoulder surgery in Surat
Shoulder surgery, and rotator cuff repair in particular, demands precise arthroscopic technique and a thorough understanding of shoulder biomechanics. When choosing a surgeon, it is worth asking about their arthroscopy training, the range of shoulder conditions they manage, and their experience with both surgical and non-surgical approaches.
Dr. Aman Khanna holds an M.S. in Orthopaedics and has been in orthopaedic practice since 2016. His Fellowship in Sports Medicine, Hip & Knee at Lyon Croix-Rousse University Hospital, France (2021) provided broad exposure to arthroscopic technique and sports-related shoulder conditions. His IOA Clinical Fellowship in Arthroscopy (2024) — awarded through the Indian Orthopaedic Association — focused specifically on advanced arthroscopic skills, including shoulder arthroscopy.
He is a member of ISAKOS (International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine) and the Indian Orthopaedic Association, reflecting engagement with current evidence and practice standards in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
In addition to rotator cuff tears and impingement, Dr. Khanna manages patients with shoulder instability — including those who have experienced recurrent dislocation — and advises on the most appropriate treatment after a thorough assessment. The specific approach for each patient is decided at consultation based on clinical and imaging findings.
Full credentials are listed on the About page. The full range of procedures is described on the Services page.
OPD venues and timings in Surat
Mahavir Hospital — Athwa
Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Surat 395001OPD: Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM · By appointment
Prish Hospital — Vesu
Prish Hospital, VIP Road, Vesu, Surat 395007OPD: Mon–Sat 12:00–2:00 PM · By appointment
To book a shoulder surgery consultation, message on WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922 with a brief description of your symptoms and any existing imaging. The team will confirm a slot at the most convenient location.
FAQ — shoulder surgery and rotator cuff repair in Surat
What is a rotator cuff tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles — supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis — that wrap around the shoulder and stabilise the ball-and-socket joint. Tears can be partial (some fibres intact) or full-thickness (the tendon is completely detached). They may be acute, caused by a fall or sports injury, or degenerative, developing gradually with age and repeated overhead activity.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
Common symptoms include pain at the outer shoulder that is often worse at night and with overhead activity, weakness when lifting the arm to the side or in front, and difficulty with daily tasks such as combing hair or reaching behind the back. Symptoms may come on suddenly after an injury or develop gradually over months.
Is surgery always needed for a rotator cuff tear?
No. Partial tears and shoulder impingement often improve significantly with physiotherapy, activity modification and, where appropriate, injections. Surgery is commonly considered for full-thickness tears, tears that have not responded to conservative management after an adequate trial, or where there is significant weakness. The decision is made after MRI and clinical assessment at consultation.
What does arthroscopic rotator cuff repair involve?
Arthroscopic (keyhole) rotator cuff repair is performed through small portals around the shoulder. The torn tendon is identified and anchored back to the bone using suture anchors. Because only small incisions are needed, it is minimally invasive compared with open surgery. The exact technique used depends on the tear pattern and size, and is decided at the time of surgery.
How long does recovery take after rotator cuff repair?
The shoulder is protected in a sling for several weeks after surgery. Physiotherapy begins early to restore range of motion and is then progressively advanced for strength. Return to light daily activities varies by individual; return to overhead work or sport typically requires several months. The exact timeline is discussed at consultation based on the nature of the tear and the patient's goals.
रोटेटर कफ की सर्जरी के बाद कंधे में दर्द कब तक रहता है? (How long does shoulder pain last after rotator cuff surgery?)
सर्जरी के बाद कुछ दर्द होना सामान्य है और इसे दवाओं से नियंत्रित किया जाता है। फिजियोथेरेपी के साथ दर्द धीरे-धीरे कम होता जाता है। पूरी तरह ठीक होने में कई महीने लग सकते हैं, जो आंसू के आकार और रोगी के पुनर्वास पालन पर निर्भर करता है। (Some post-operative discomfort is expected and is managed with medications. Pain typically reduces progressively as physiotherapy advances. Full recovery takes several months and depends on the size of the tear and the patient's compliance with rehabilitation.)
Where can I consult Dr. Aman Khanna for shoulder surgery in Surat?
OPD consultations are available at Mahavir Hospital, Athwa Gate, Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM and at Prish Hospital, Vesu, Mon–Sat 12:00–2:00 PM. Book via WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922.
Related pages
Knee Replacement in Surat
Total and partial knee replacement for advanced arthritis or avascular necrosis — consulting at Mahavir Hospital and Prish Hospital.
View page ServicesMeniscus Surgery in Surat
Arthroscopic meniscus repair and partial meniscectomy for knee pain and locking from meniscal tears.
View page ServicesFracture & Trauma Care in Surat
Management of acute fractures and orthopaedic trauma, including complex periarticular fractures.
View page ServicesFull range of orthopaedic services
Arthroscopy, sports injuries, knee and hip surgery, deformity correction and trauma care — all services offered in Surat.
View services