Acceptability of biologic treatments to patients undergoing rotator cuff repair

The objective of this study was to determine the acceptability of biologic treatments for patients undergoing rotator cuff repair.

This is a survey-based analysis of treatment acceptability of patients undergoing rotator cuff repair. Preoperatively, we collected demographics and survey responses. Patients were surveyed using a 5-point Likert scale regarding their willingness to undergo variations on biologic treatments for rotator cuff tears. These variations included frequency of treatment (daily, every other day, and weekly); duration of treatment (1, 3, and 6 months); side effect frequency (10%, 25%, 50%, and 75%); efficacy in terms of increased success rates (10% more, 20% more, and 30% more); and method of administration (injection, oral, and implantable). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

Fifty-five patients responded to the survey. The cohort was 65% male, with a mean ± standard deviation age of 60 ± 11 years, body mass index of 30 ± 7, and Charlson comorbidity index of 2 ± 1. With regards to frequency of treatment, 73% of patients either strongly agreed or agreed that they were willing to take a pill daily if it would increase the likelihood of success. For injections, 80% of patients either strongly agreed or agreed that they were willing to undergo an injection once, 71% weekly, 76% monthly, and 76% every 3 months. With regards to duration, 76% either strongly agreed or agreed that they were willing to take a medication for 1 month, 64% for 3 months, and 55% for 6 months. With regards to side effects, 47% either strongly agreed or agreed that they were willing to undergo a treatment with 10% side effects, 13% with 25% side effects, 7% with 50% side effects, and 7% with 75% side effects. With regards to efficacy, 73% either strongly agreed or agreed that they were willing to undergo a biologic treatment if it increased their success rates by even 10%.

Based upon these survey responses, the biologic treatment options most acceptable to patients would be a pill or injection, administered for up to 3 months after surgery, with fewer than 10% of patients experiencing side effects. Most patients were willing to undergo a biologic treatment even if it only increased their likelihood of success by 10%. Therefore, based on these results, researchers and physicians developing biologic treatments could focus on avenues that only slightly increase success rates and can be administered within 3 months of surgery provided there is a favorable side effect profile.