Improvements in sexual function following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Three-fourths of Americans are sexually active, and studies show a correlation between sexual activity and good health. Rotator cuff tears and subsequent repairs can cause significant disruption in daily living including sexual activity. Orthopedic surgeons rarely discuss sexual activity with patients. Therefore, patients have little information about expectations, restrictions, and return to sexual activity. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate patient improvement in sexual activity following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and evaluate factors that affect sexual activity.

An anonymous 20-item multiple-choice survey was sent to patients > 6 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair performed by 7 fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder and elbow surgeons between March 2018 and May 2019. The survey assessed preoperative and postoperative sexual activity and included questions regarding frequency, pain, positioning, and postoperative injury.

A total of 88 patients met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Preoperatively, 65% of patients admitted that their shoulder interfered with the quality and/or frequency of their sexual activity, most commonly secondary to an inability to bear weight on the affected arm (31%). Postoperatively, the majority of patients (79%) found it easier to engage in sexual activity, with 35% of patients attributing this to less pain. At 6 weeks postoperatively, 72% of patients returned to sexual activity. The overall trend demonstrated a statistically significant (P < .001) increase in sexual activity frequency as one progressed from his or her operative date. It is interesting to note that 31% of patients removed their sling to engage in sexual activity after surgery, with 7% admitting to aggravating their shoulder or causing significant pain.

Prior to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, most patients experience limitations in the quality and/or frequency of their sexual activity secondary to their shoulder. Following surgery, the majority of patients will more easily engage in sexual activity by 6 weeks, with increasing frequency as time progresses from surgery. Many patients are noncompliant with sling wear during sexual activity, and 7% will aggravate their shoulder.