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Risk Factors for Early Shoulder Stiffness After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.
João Felipe M Filho1, Rodrigo A Beraldo2,3, Mauro E Gracitelli4
1Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, BRA.
Cureus
|October 29, 2025
Summary
This study found no significant clinical or structural risk factors for early postoperative shoulder stiffness after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Further research is needed to develop standardized criteria for identifying patients at risk and improving prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
Background:
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is a standard treatment for rotator cuff tears.
- Early postoperative shoulder stiffness (EPS) is a potential complication following ARCR.
- Identifying risk factors for EPS is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between preoperative clinical comorbidities and MRI-defined structural tear features with EPS after ARCR.
- To define EPS as persistent passive range of motion limitation more than 90 days postoperatively.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 381 patients undergoing primary ARCR.
- Exclusion of patients with preoperative stiffness or those requiring additional procedures.
- Assessment of clinical variables (age, sex, comorbidities) and rotator cuff tear characteristics (size, retraction, fatty degeneration) via preoperative MRI and classifications (Snyder, Cofield, Patte, Goutallier).
Main Results:
- Early postoperative shoulder stiffness (EPS) occurred in 6.3% of patients.
- No significant associations were found between EPS and clinical factors like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or hypothyroidism.
- Tear characteristics including size, retraction, and fatty degeneration did not show a significant link to EPS.
Conclusions:
- This study did not identify significant preoperative clinical or structural risk factors for EPS after ARCR.
- Standardized criteria are necessary for identifying high-risk patients.
- Refined preventive strategies are needed to mitigate the occurrence of EPS.
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