The effect of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair on sleep in degenerative full-thickness tears

Abstract

Aims and background: Shoulder pathologies are frequently linked to sleep disturbances. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect on sleep disorders in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Materials and methods: Thirty-three patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair due to a full-thickness rotator cuff tear were prospectively analyzed. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES), visual analog scale (VAS), and Constant and Murley shoulder scores before surgery and at 6 months postoperatively. Preoperative clinical and radiological parameters of the patients were also evaluated.

Results: The study analyzed 33 patients with a median age of 59.79 ± 9.0 years. There was a significant difference preoperatively versus postoperatively in terms of all PSQI global scores and subdivisions (P < 0.001). A statistically significant improvement was determined by the simple shoulder test, the Constant and Murley shoulder scores, and VAS (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Sleep disturbance is common in patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tear, and sleep disturbance can resolve after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Keywords: Rotator cuff repair; rotator cuff tear; shoulder arthroscopy; sleep disruptions.