Factors affecting satisfaction in patients with a rotator cuff retear: CT arthrography-based study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Patient Outcomes Research

Background:

• Rotator cuff repair is a common orthopedic procedure.
• Retear after rotator cuff repair can negatively impact patient outcomes.
• The factors influencing patient satisfaction following rotator cuff retear are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between rotator cuff retear characteristics (type and size) and patient satisfaction after arthroscopic repair.
• To identify patient-specific factors associated with satisfaction after rotator cuff retear.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 50 patients with rotator cuff retear post-arthroscopic repair was analyzed.
• Computed tomography arthrography (CTA) assessed retear size (anteroposterior length and area) and attachment status.
• Patients were categorized into satisfactory and dissatisfactory groups based on self-classification.

Main Results:

• Retear size (anteroposterior length and area) significantly correlated with patient dissatisfaction (P < 0.01).
• Postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) scores and visual analog scale (VAS) pain levels were significantly lower in the dissatisfactory group (P < 0.01).
• The type of retear, based on footprint attachment, did not significantly influence patient satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Computed tomography arthrography-derived anteroposterior retear length and area are significant predictors of patient dissatisfaction.
• Postoperative pain (VAS) and functional scores (ASES) are correlated with patient satisfaction following rotator cuff repair.
• The specific type of rotator cuff retear, assessed by footprint attachment, does not appear to influence patient satisfaction.