Mr Tim Doyle
Rotator Cuff Repair
Are you struggling with shoulder pain that makes it difficult to lift your arm, sleep comfortably, or carry out everyday tasks?
Rotator cuff problems can affect your movement, strength, and comfort. You may notice pain when reaching overhead, weakness when lifting objects, or difficulty carrying out work, exercise, or household activities. In some cases, symptoms can gradually worsen over time and begin to affect your sleep and independence.
What is Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Rotator cuff surgery is a procedure used to repair damaged or torn tendons in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help keep your shoulder stable and allow you to lift and rotate your arm.
Surgery is usually recommended when shoulder pain and weakness do not improve with treatments such as rest, physiotherapy, pain relief medication, or injections. It may also be advised after an injury that causes a significant tear.
The procedure is commonly carried out using keyhole surgery, also known as arthroscopic surgery. Small instruments and a camera are inserted through small cuts around the shoulder to repair the damaged tendon. In some cases, open surgery may be needed depending on the size and location of the tear.
A consultant orthopaedic surgeon will assess your symptoms, examine your shoulder, and arrange scans if needed before recommending whether surgery is suitable for you.
Still have questions about rotator cuff surgery? Check out our FAQs.
Healthcare Without
the Wait
Many patients in Ireland choose Kingsbridge to avoid delays and access consultant led care sooner.
Rotator cuff surgery is available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast, Ballykelly, and Newry, making treatment accessible for patients travelling from border counties and across Ireland.
Eligible patients may be able to claim reimbursement for rotator cuff surgery through the Cross Border Healthcare Directive when travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland for treatment.
Next Available Appointment
Belfast
6 days
Steps to get started
If you are considering rotator cuff repair surgery, you can arrange a consultation directly with Kingsbridge Private Hospital to discuss your symptoms, assessment, and treatment options.
Rotator Cuff Surgery Cost
The cost of rotator cuff surgery depends on the type of procedure being performed, the complexity of surgery, hospital fees, imaging, and rehabilitation requirements.
You will receive clear pricing information in advance, along with details of what is included as part of your treatment, hospital care, and aftercare.
The team can answer your questions and explain available payment options before your procedure.
You will receive clear pricing information in advance, along with details of what is included as part of your treatment, hospital care, and aftercare.
The team can answer your questions and explain available payment options before your procedure.
Cross-Border Healthcare Scheme
Patients from Ireland may be eligible to have the cost of rotator cuff surgery reimbursed through the Cross Border Healthcare Directive.
This scheme allows eligible patients from Ireland to travel to Northern Ireland for treatment and apply to the HSE for reimbursement towards the cost of their care.
The team can provide guidance on the documentation required and explain how the process works.
This scheme allows eligible patients from Ireland to travel to Northern Ireland for treatment and apply to the HSE for reimbursement towards the cost of their care.
The team can provide guidance on the documentation required and explain how the process works.
If you’re using health insurance
Rotator cuff surgery may be covered by private health insurance depending on your provider and level of cover.
Kingsbridge Private Hospital works with a range of private health insurers, including Vhi Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Level Health, and St Paul’s Garda Medical Aid Society.
You should check directly with your insurer to confirm what is included under your policy, including consultations, surgery, hospital stay, imaging, and physiotherapy.
Kingsbridge Private Hospital works with a range of private health insurers, including Vhi Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Level Health, and St Paul’s Garda Medical Aid Society.
You should check directly with your insurer to confirm what is included under your policy, including consultations, surgery, hospital stay, imaging, and physiotherapy.
If you’re paying for treatment yourself
You will receive clear information about the cost of rotator cuff surgery to help you plan your treatment with confidence.
This allows you to understand the expected costs before proceeding, including consultation fees, surgery costs, hospital charges, and aftercare arrangements.
This allows you to understand the expected costs before proceeding, including consultation fees, surgery costs, hospital charges, and aftercare arrangements.
Meet Our Shoulder Consultants
At Kingsbridge, you’ll be in the expert hands of Ireland and the UK’s top orthopaedic consultants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions address common concerns and help you understand what to expect from rotator cuff surgery.
How can you access rotator cuff surgery in Ireland?
You will usually begin by speaking with your GP or physiotherapist if you have ongoing shoulder pain or weakness. In the public system, you may be referred to an orthopaedic specialist for assessment and imaging before surgery is considered.
Patients can access private treatment by booking a consultation directly with Kingsbridge Private Hospital. A consultant orthopaedic surgeon will assess your symptoms and discuss the most suitable treatment options for you.
What are the waiting times for rotator cuff surgery?
Waiting times through the HSE can vary depending on your location and the demand for orthopaedic services. Some patients may wait many months for specialist appointments, scans, and surgery.
Patients can get faster access by booking a consultation directly with Kingsbridge Private Hospital. Appointments, imaging, and treatment can often be arranged more quickly through private care.
How much does rotator cuff surgery cost?
The cost of rotator cuff surgery depends on the type of procedure being performed, the complexity of surgery, hospital fees, imaging, and aftercare requirements. You will receive clear pricing information in advance, along with details of what is included as part of your treatment.
If you have private health insurance, your policy may cover part or all of the procedure depending on your level of cover. Kingsbridge Private Hospital works with a range of health insurers, including Vhi Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, and Aviva Health.
If you are paying for treatment yourself, the team can explain available payment options and help you understand the costs involved before proceeding.
Patients travelling from Ireland may also be eligible to claim reimbursement through the Cross Border Healthcare Directive. Eligible patients can apply to the HSE for reimbursement towards the cost of their treatment, subject to the scheme’s terms and eligibility criteria. The team can provide guidance on the documentation required and explain how the process works.
How long does rotator cuff surgery take?
Rotator cuff surgery usually takes between one and two hours depending on the complexity of the repair.
You will normally attend the hospital on the day of surgery. Some patients return home the same day, while others may stay overnight depending on the procedure and recovery.
Recovery from the anaesthetic and early monitoring will take several hours before discharge.
What happens before, during, and after rotator cuff surgery?
Understanding what happens before, during, and after surgery can help you feel more prepared for treatment and recovery.
Before surgery
You will attend a consultation with a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. Your shoulder will be examined and you may need imaging such as an MRI scan or ultrasound to assess the extent of the tear. You may also attend a pre assessment appointment to review your general health and discuss the anaesthetic.
During surgery
The procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. Most rotator cuff repairs are performed using arthroscopic surgery through small cuts around the shoulder. The damaged tendon is repaired and reattached to the bone using specialised surgical instruments. Any inflammation or damaged tissue may also be treated during the procedure.
After surgery
Your arm will usually be supported in a sling after surgery to protect the repair while healing begins.
You will receive pain relief medication, rehabilitation advice, and follow up appointments. Physiotherapy is an important part of recovery and helps restore movement and strength over time.
Are there different types of rotator cuff surgery?
The type of rotator cuff surgery recommended will depend on the size and location of the tear, the condition of the tendon, and your individual shoulder anatomy.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
This is the most commonly performed type of rotator cuff surgery. The procedure is carried out using a small camera and specialised instruments inserted through small incisions around the shoulder. This approach is less invasive and typically results in less disruption to surrounding tissues.
Open Rotator Cuff Repair
Open surgery may be recommended for larger or more complex rotator cuff tears. The surgeon makes a larger incision to access and repair the damaged tendon directly.
Mini Open Rotator Cuff Repair
This technique combines arthroscopic and open surgery. The shoulder is first assessed and prepared using keyhole techniques, followed by a small incision to complete the tendon repair. This approach may be suitable for certain types of tears and tendon damage.
Your consultant will discuss the most appropriate surgical approach for your condition and explain the benefits, risks, and expected recovery associated with your recommended treatment.
What is recovery like after rotator cuff surgery?
Recovery can take several months as the tendon heals and shoulder strength improves.
Most patients wear a sling for several weeks after surgery. You may need help with some daily activities during the early stages of recovery.
Physiotherapy usually begins soon after surgery and continues over a period of weeks or months. Return to work depends on the type of job you do. Office based work may be possible within several weeks, while manual work and sports can take longer.
Your consultant and physiotherapist will guide you through each stage of rehabilitation.
What aftercare is provided after rotator cuff surgery?
Aftercare includes follow up appointments with your consultant, wound checks, pain management, and physiotherapy support.
You will receive advice on exercises, sling use, sleeping positions, and when to safely return to driving, work, and physical activity.
The team at Kingsbridge Private Hospital will monitor your recovery and adjust your rehabilitation plan as needed.
Are there alternatives to rotator cuff surgery?
Surgery is not always the first treatment option. Some patients improve with non surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, activity modification, pain relief medication, or steroid injections.
Alternative treatments may be recommended for smaller tears, inflammation, or patients who are not suitable for surgery.
A consultant orthopaedic specialist will discuss all available options and help you decide on the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Our Locations
Each site is equipped with modern facilities and experienced teams who will look after you throughout your treatment and recovery.
Our hospitals are easy to reach and offer a calm, comfortable environment to support your care. Wherever you decide to go, you’ll receive the same high standard of personalised treatment.