rotator cuff tendon and biceps tendon

[Loupy45]

I have been advised to have an operation (arthroscopic) to the tendons of my rigth shoulder. The procedure is to repair the rotator cuff tendon and the biceps tendon. This could be due to an old injury as I was analyzed some years back with a frozen shoulder.
Recently the pain and disconfort on my rigth shoulder  was accelerated by exercising at the gym.
I have now rested for 6months and the pain has gone away but I have lost some power in my right shoulder.
I am 66 years old, active and healthy  I  don't take any medications.

My questions are:
1. can an operation been avoided?
2. would my present condition worsen?
3. Are these procedure succesfull?
4. Do tendons repair themselves if kept in a sling, or avoid doing certain      motions?
5. Will the tendons tear again?

Thanks    

[Michael L Gross, MD]

If you aren't having pain then the surgery can be avoided.  I would suggest a PT program to increase strengthen the surrounding musculature to compensate for the the torn tendon. Work should also be done on the scapula stabilizers to insure coordinated shoulder motion. If you are still having weakness after several months, then surgery is an option. It is possible that the tear can get larger, so I be sure to have your orthopedist monitor your progress carefully.  A repeat MRI can be done in 6 months, to evaluate the size of the tear. Rotator cuff surgery can be very successful, the tendons do not repair themselves, after surgery the tendons can always retear.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

You are welcome, good luck!

[Loupy45]

Thank you very much for your reply which is very helpful.
I will consider all the facts before making my decision.