Outcome of rotator cuff repair

From 710 consecutive open rotator cuff repairs by a single surgeon, the results of 667 were available for detailed analysis. Patient-assessed outcomes and the ability to perform specific activities of daily living, employment, and recreation were correlated with independent nonstructural variables including age, sex, workersʹ compensation status, and revision surgery status. The study shows that patient self-assessment of satisfaction is very high, with 87.5% of all respondents pleased overall. Detailed assessment is provided of certain subgroups that are more likely to report worse results after surgery. These include patients on workersʹ compensation, those undergoing revision surgery, and those younger than 55 years of age. Information presented here may be useful during preoperative counseling for rotator cuff repairs, to ensure realistic patient expectations. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2002;11:201-11)