Statin Use Not Linked to Rotator Cuff Retear After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

To evaluate the risk factors, including hyperlipidemia and statin use, on rotator cuff healing after arthroscopic repair.

A retrospective review of prospectively collected cases who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was conducted. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides levels, and the presence or absence of statin use and type of statins used (type 1 naturally derived statins and type 2 synthetic statins) were reviewed. Repair integrity was determined according to the Sugaya classification, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (types 4 and 5 were considered retear). Including serum lipid levels and statin use, potential risk factors for retear were tested using multivariate logistic regression.

Six hundred twenty cases were evaluated. The mean age was 66.9 years; 348 were male, and 272 were female. The overall retear rate was 16.1%. There was no statistically significant difference in serum lipid levels among the categories of the Sugaya classification. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed no association between serum lipid levels and odds ratio for retear: total cholesterol (odds ratio [OR] 1.00; P = .72), low-density lipoprotein (OR 0.99; P = .44), and triglycerides (OR 1.00; P = .88). Statins did not have a statistically significant increase or decrease in odds: type 1 statin (OR 0.3; P = .061) and type 2 statin (OR 1.4; P = .26). Older age (OR 1.1; P < .0001), male sex (OR 1.8; P = .021), and large-to-massive cuff tear size (OR 3.4; P < .0001) were significant risk factors.

No association was found between serum lipid levels and retear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Statin use was not a statistically significant factor for retears, but different trends were seen for type 1 and type 2 statins. Older age, male sex, and large to massive tears were significant risks for retears.

Level III, retrospective cohort design, prognosis study.