Rotator cuff tears - the tearing or breaking loose of a tendon in the shoulder - are common injuries in adults 40 and older. Standard surgery to repair these injuries usually involves a large incision, intense pain and a hospital stay. Now a new, less invasive procedure -- arthroscopic surgery -- is helping people recover more quickly. In the arthroscopic procedure, surgeons make only small incisions and use a camera to look inside the shoulder to repair the tear. The outcome - less pain, stiffness and scarring.

This video features an injured weight lifter who is back in the gym and winning competitions following arthroscopic surgery.

Dr. Xerogeanes says finding a surgeon experienced in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs is very important. He and his colleague, Dr. Spero Karas, have performed more than 350 of these procedures. Most insurance companies cover the procedure.

For more information, contact the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center at
404-778-3350.