I had a routine six-months follow-up on some shoulder surgery I had done. One of the tacks used to hold the torn tendon in place appears to be in the wrong position. I’m not having any problems. Should I have another operation to repair the repair?

Your surgeon is the best one to advise you on this matter. Treatment for anchors that have moved or were put in the wrong place depends on several factors. The first is usually based on the patient’s symptoms. Someone with pain and loss of motion will be treated differently from a patient who has no symptoms.

If the implant is securely fastened, it may not be easy to remove or replace it. If it’s sticking up, the surgeon may be able to push it back down. And if the patient isn’t having any symptoms but the surgeon detects shoulder instability, a second anchor or tack may be added in the right place. The original suture is left in place.