The researchers reviewed information on 1,624 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and found that intraoperative rotator cuff tear areas did not correlate with pain scores preoperatively or at 1 week following surgery. However, they noted that a smaller tear area was associated with more frequent and severe pain during overhead activities, at rest, and during sleep, as well as a poorer perceived overall shoulder condition at 6-week, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. Overall, patients who were younger, had partial-thickness tears, and had occupational injuries experienced more pain postoperatively. The researchers noted that the retear rate was 7 percent in tears <2 cm2, but reached 44 percent in tears >8 cm2. Learn more...
