Rebuild the strength your sport or everyday routine demands. When a torn shoulder tendon leaves you weak or limited, Dr. Stephanie Buza draws on her advanced shoulder surgery fellowship training to provide personalized care focused on your recovery.
Return to Stronger, Steadier Movement
Tendon repairs are surgical procedures that reconnect torn or detached shoulder tendons to their normal attachment on the bone. Tendons transfer force from your muscles to the bones, making them essential for strength, stability, and controlled movement. Depending on the tendon and extent of your injury, Dr. Buza may use arthroscopic techniques, sutures, and anchors to restore this connection, allowing the tendon to heal and helping you regain function for sports, performance, or everyday activity.
Tendon Repairs Treat:
- Torn or detached shoulder tendons
- Rotator cuff tendon tears
- Traumatic tendon injuries
- Tendon damage caused by repetitive activity
- Partial tears that require surgical repair
- Shoulder weakness related to tendon damage
- Pain with lifting, reaching, or overhead movement
- Loss of strength or function during sports and performance
- Tendon injuries that continue to limit everyday activities
Your Tendon Repair Procedure
Your procedure is tailored to which shoulder tendon is injured and how severely it is damaged. When an arthroscopic approach is appropriate, Dr. Buza works through several small incisions called portals. An arthroscope provides a detailed view inside the shoulder, while specialized instruments allow her to locate the tear and prepare its normal attachment site on the bone.
To restore the connection, Dr. Buza places small suture anchors into the bone. Strong sutures attached to these anchors are passed through the damaged tendon and tightened, bringing the tissue securely back to its attachment site so it can heal. The number and arrangement of anchors depend on the tendon and tear pattern. Once the repair is stable, the instruments are removed, the small incisions are closed, and your shoulder is protected during early recovery.
Benefits of Tendon Repairs:
- Restoration of the tendon’s natural connection to bone
- Improved shoulder strength and function as healing progresses
- Greater stability and control during demanding movement
- Preservation of your natural shoulder joint
- Small arthroscopic incisions when appropriate
- Minimal disruption to surrounding healthy tissues
- Treatment tailored to the specific tendon and tear pattern
- Improved ability to lift, reach, and perform overhead movements
Return to Activity After Tendon Repairs
Recovery starts slowly because your tendon needs time to heal back to the bone. For roughly 4 to 6 weeks, you’ll usually wear a sling and keep your shoulder protected while physical therapy introduces gentle movement. You won’t be ready for lifting, pushing, pulling, or forceful overhead movements yet, even if everyday discomfort starts improving.
Once healing is underway, the focus shifts from protection to getting your shoulder working normally again. Active movement typically progresses around 6 to 12 weeks, with strengthening added in about 3 to 4 months. From there, you can work toward the movements your sport or routine actually demands. Heavy lifting, throwing, and unrestricted sports may take 6 months or longer, with Dr. Buza guiding your return based on your individual progress.
Get Back to Doing What You Love.
Schedule Your Consultation for Tendon Repairs in NYC
Dr. Stephanie Buza is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine and shoulder surgery from the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). From her background as a classically trained ballet dancer, she understands how much you rely on controlled movement. Her individualized approach keeps your injury, your body, and the activities you want to return to at the center of care. Schedule your consultation for tendon repair with Dr. Buza in NYC today.
