Pitch-Patch Patient Information

Pitch-Patch shoulder rotator cuff reinforcement patch

Reducing pain and improving movement in massive shoulder joint tears

You can learn more about treating rotator cuff tears in this introduction to rotator cuff injuries

Benefits of Pitch-Patch

Patients treated with Pitch-Patch have reduced pain and increased movement. This improvement continues over at least five years

Reinforcing with Pitch-Patch reduces the chances of the rotator cuff tearing again after surgery on massive tears

Pitch-Patch does not slow down the rehabilitation programme

Your surgeon can work through whether your injury would benefit from help by reinforcing the repair. For more information click the button below.

Patient Information Document

How it works

The surgeon repairs the rotator cuff tear first of all, then sews the patch over the repaired tendon, using sutures to fix the patch to the tendons and special anchors to fix it to the bone. The patch is made from non-absorbable polyester fibres for a long-lasting reinforcement for the repair.

The patch integrates well with the patient’s body. and stays in place permanently. The patient can than follow the same rehabilitation plan as for a repair without reinforcement, with no delay to the recovery programme.

Clinical history

Pitch-Patch has been used for over a decade with excellent results in clinical trials^1,2. A study has been carried out on 50 patients who had surgical repair of massive tears, using the Pitch-Patch to reinforce the repair. The study looked at how well the patients progressed after one year and then after five years from the operation.

They found excellent pain relief and movement. This improved even between the one-year and five-year checkpoints. They also recorded lower levels of re-tear of the cuff than expected for this severity of tear treated without a patch (14% where they expected 42-79% to re-tear). Of the few re-tears, only one of them caused a problem that needed another operation.

To find out whether Pitch-Patch can help your shoulder and start a dialogue with your surgeon, please click the button below.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve been told I don’t need surgery, but I’m not getting any better. Can I recover with just physio exercise and painkillers?

Most patients get better without surgery, but treatment without surgery doesn’t always work. If you’ve seen a doctor and you’ve followed their treatment for 6 months but have little improvement, then you should see the doctor again as it is likely to need surgery.

After my surgery, how long will my recovery take, how long before I can resume daily living tasks (dressing, cooking, bathing)?

To start with your shoulder will be immobilised. You can expect that after about 6 weeks you can begin to use your arm gently for daily activities; this will gradually increase as pain allows. The physiotherapist will monitor your progress to decide exactly when you can do this. Some tasks such as cooking may take longer to resume. Pitch-Patch does not delay the recovery time, so the length of the resting stage is the same with or without Pitch-Patch reinforcement in the repair.

After my operation, how long before I can drive, swim, undertake other essential tasks such as changing beds, pegging washing?

To start with your shoulder will be immobilised. You can expect that after about 6 weeks you can begin to use your arm gently for daily activities; this will gradually increase as pain allows. Driving is usually permitted once your shoulder does not need a sling or cushion support – typically from 7 weeks onward. Heavier tasks such as changing beds are likely to need 3 months of recovery. Your physiotherapist will monitor your progress to advise on when you can start these activities.

What steps should I take to ensure maximum benefit from the surgery (things I should do and things I should avoid such as exercise, rest etc?)

The best thing you can do is to follow the advice of your physiotherapist, make sure you can rest and don’t try to push the recovery. Pain is a warning signal. One excess strain can undo the surgical repair permanently. Before the operation make sure you will have help at home for the everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Make sure you have leave planned from your work. If your job is physical you will probably be off work for 3-6 months. If your job is desk-based, don’t think that you can be a “work-hero” working on the computer from home. Usually for 6 weeks your arm can’t be moved and you won’t be able to do most of the normal activities of home life. As your healing progresses, the things you can do will change. Consult with your physiotherapist to see what is appropriate for the stage that you are at.

What support will I be offered following my surgery – will I get physiotherapy?

This does vary depending on your hospital system. Before going home you should have advice on the early stages and how to protect your arm with the sling and/or cushion. You should have a booking for a first physiotherapy session. Overall you will have a course of physiotherapy sessions that will be more frequent in the early stages and be needed less often as you progress. You will also have a post-operation follow-up with your surgeon.

Will I be offered help with personal care?

This does vary a lot with the care system. Please ask your surgeon before arranging the operation date.

What additional arrangements should I put in place to ensure that I can make the best possible recovery?

Please see the answers above but here is a checklist:

Stock of over-the-counter painkillers
Raise seat heights to help with standing up
Loose clothing
Consider long-handled combs, brushes, sponges
Help at home
Food you can eat one-handed initially
Respite if you are a carer
Time off work
Music, movies, audiobooks, podcasts lined up
Well-stocked freezer (or helpful partner) healthy food and the occasional treat!
Help with transport
Realistic about recovery time
Prepared at home to follow exercise programme.

And you’re ready!

Additional Information

FAQ's References Disclaimer

These answers to patients’ questions have been checked by a consultant shoulder surgeon who is experienced in using Pitch-Patch.

Smolen D, et al. (2020). Application of a new polyester patch in arthroscopic massive rotator cuff repair-a prospective cohort study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg, Vol 29, Issue 1, pages e11-e21.
Hess F, Welter J, Jaberg L (2023). Long-Term Outcomes Following Synthetic Patch Augmentation to Treat Rotator Cuff Tears, Trauma International, Vol 9 , Issue 1 , pages 01-04.

The information contained in this document is not medical advice and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by a surgeon or other qualified medical professional on the use of these products. You should talk with your surgeon or health care provider for more information about your health condition and whether Xiros products might be appropriate for you.

The surgeon who performs any surgical procedure is responsible for determining and using the appropriate techniques for surgical procedures on each individual patient. Xiros recommends that surgeons be trained on the use of any product before using it in surgery. A surgeon must always rely on their own professional medical judgment when deciding whether to use a particular product when treating a particular patient. A surgeon must always refer to the package insert, product label, and/or directions for use before using any Xiros product. Postoperative management is patient-specific and dependent on the treating professional’s assessment.

Individual results will vary and not all patients will experience the same postoperative activity level or outcomes. Product availability is subject to the regulatory approvals and medical practices in individual markets, therefore Xiros products may not be available in all markets.

Please contact Xiros if you have questions about the availability of products in your area.

Follow the link to view the implantation techniques for Pitch-Patch

Pitch-Patch