Resiliency influences postoperative outcomes following rotator cuff repair

The purpose of this retrospective review was to assess the effects of resiliency on postoperative outcome scores and complications following rotator cuff repair (RCR).

In 2014, 49 consecutive patients underwent arthroscopic RCR for either a partial- or full-thickness tear performed by a single surgeon at a multi-location, single center. In these patients, the following scores were monitored: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R). Data collected at 4 years postoperatively were statistically analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance tests, Pearson correlations, and multivariate tests of between-subjects effects (multivariate analysis of covariance).

There was a statistically significant difference between cohorts and their scores of resiliency and optimism measured by the LOT-R (function portion of ASES score [ASESf], P = .048; pain portion of ASES score [ASESp], P = .003; and SST score, P = .009) as illustrated by a 1-way analysis of variance. A multivariate analysis of covariance found that LOT-R scores exhibited a significant impact on outcome scores (ASESf score, P = .043; ASESp score, P = .002; and SST score, P = .007). Correlational analysis indicated that LOT-R scores directly correlated with higher ASESp (P = .003), ASESf (P = .029), and SST (P = .018) scores. Regression line analysis provided a positive coefficient of determination value for all outcome scores.

The premise of this study was to look at mental resilience as a potential indicator of long-term outcome scores following RCR. The results of statistical analysis indicated that outcome scores are significantly different based on the degree of optimism; high levels of optimism impact and correlate to higher outcome scores. This study provides a basis for future studies of psychological resilience in the field of orthopedic surgery.