The former president (PL) underwent repairs to the rotator cuff on his right shoulder this Friday (1st). According to the medical report, the surgery was uneventful. He remains hospitalized at the DF Star hospital, in Brasília, under clinical observation and for pain control.
The procedure is aimed at treating an injury considered common in orthopedics. The rotator cuff is a set of four tendons located in the shoulder region, responsible for rotation movements and for keeping the joint firm and stable during movements, according to orthopedist Maurício Raffaelli, a specialist in shoulder and elbow surgery.
Disruption of these structures is among the most common causes of shoulder pain. The condition can vary from inflammation and partial injuries to complete ruptures. Surgical indication occurs when there is significant pain and loss of function, with limited movement of the arm, and when physiotherapy is not sufficient.
One of the most characteristic symptoms is nighttime pain, which can make it difficult to sleep. Many patients report worsening pain when lying down because the joint is compressed while resting.
Bolsonaro is under house arrest and had to request authorization from the minister of the STF (Supreme Federal Court) to carry out the procedure.
How the procedure works
Rotator cuff repair consists of replacing the tendon in the bone so that it can heal again and regain its function. Surgery is performed, in most cases, using arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique performed with a camera inserted into the shoulder through small incisions.
During the operation, small devices attached to the bone, called anchors, are used to help secure the tendon back to its original location. From them, threads are used to “sew” the injured tissue and reconstruct the shoulder structure.
The causes of the injury are varied and include trauma, such as falls, as well as degenerative processes associated with aging.
The duration of the procedure varies depending on the complexity of the case. In general, it takes one to two hours, but can take up to five hours when considering the anesthetic preparation and the patient’s condition.
Despite being minimally invasive, arthroscopy requires general anesthesia, which increases the complexity of the procedure, says Kaleu Nery, member of SBCOC (Brazilian Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery).
Age is a factor
Bolsonaro is 71 years old, and age is a relevant point in assessing surgical risk. According to Nery, patients in this age group tend to experience greater natural wear and tear on the shoulder structures.
In the case of the rotator cuff, the tendon may be more worn, which makes healing difficult and increases the risk of a new tear after surgery. Other health factors, such as associated diseases, are also evaluated before the procedure.
Recovery and risks
Recovery is gradual. According to Maurício Raffaelli, the patient remains with his arm immobilized in a sling for a period of four to six weeks, with initial release only for elbow, wrist and hand movements. Physiotherapy is started after this phase.
Tendon healing takes three to four months, while complete functional recovery can take six months, depending on the extent of the injury and the body’s response.
Among the risks are complications related to anesthesia and the possibility of the tendon not healing properly, which may occur in some cases. The failure rate varies depending on age, tissue quality and size of the lesion.
