Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: Factors Affecting Surgical Outcome

Abstract

Eighty-five percent to 95% of patients who undergo primary surgical repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears have a significant decrease in shoulder pain and improvement in shoulder function. The results of surgery are dependent on the surgical technique, the extent of pathologic changes in the rotator cuff, and the postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Preoperative factors associated with a less favorable result are the size of the tear, the quality of the tissues, the presence of a chronic rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon, and the degree of preoperative shoulder weakness. Surgical factors associated with a less favorable result include inadequate acromioplasty, residual symptomatic acromioclavicular arthritis, inadequate rotator cuff tissue mobilization, deltoid detachment or denervation, and failure of rotator cuff healing. Clinical evaluation and preoperative imaging of the shoulder will improve patient selection and counseling. Meticulous surgical technique and postoperative rehabilitation will optimize the final result.