Successful Revision Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Is Possible in the Setting of Prior Deep Infection

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Infectious Disease in Orthopedics

Background:

• Deep infection following rotator cuff (RC) repair presents a significant challenge.
• Revision surgery is often necessary but carries a risk of complications.
• Clinical outcomes of revision arthroscopic RC repair after deep infection are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes of revision arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients with a history of deep infection.
• To assess the feasibility and efficacy of addressing residual RC tears after infection.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience with deep infection after RC repair.
• Analysis of pain (VAS), ASES, SST, SANE scores, and active range of motion.
• Data collected preoperatively and at final follow-up (mean 62 months).

Main Results:

• Three patients (mean age 54) underwent revision arthroscopic RC repair after deep infection.
• Significant improvements observed in VAS pain (5.0 to 0.3), ASES (37.2 to 93.9), and active forward elevation (68.3° to 173.3°).
• Excellent SST (11.3) and SANE (95.0) scores achieved; no recurrent infections noted.

Conclusions:

• Revision arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstruction is a feasible option following deep infection.
• Thorough arthroscopic debridement followed by revision repair or allograft reconstruction can yield excellent short-term clinical outcomes.
• This approach offers a viable solution for patients with residual rotator cuff tears post-infection.