Rotator cuff tears do not heal with time. They tend to either enlarge or, at best, stabilize in size.

The initial treatment is usually physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication or cortisone injections, which may be effective in some patients. If these conservative methods do not help the patient recover, then surgery may be considered. Operative treatment of a torn rotator cuff is designed to restore the tendon back to the ball of the joint from where it is torn.

The type of surgery depends on the size, shape and location of the tear. A partial tear may require only a trimming or smoothing procedure. A complete tear within the substance of the tendon is repaired by suturing the two sides of the tendon. This repair can be reinforced by a patch, which could improve the outcome of the surgery. Artelon® Tissue Reinforcement, made of a unique degradable polymer, is the first synthetic alternative available.