Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair and Subsequent Career Changes in Manual Workers: A Long-term Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Occupational Health
• Musculoskeletal Research

Background:

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is a common procedure for rotator cuff tears.
• The ability of manual laborers to return to their pre-injury occupation after ARCR is not well-established.
• This study investigates career changes in manual workers post-ARCR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the proportion of manual workers who change or discontinue their occupation following ARCR.
• To identify factors associated with occupational changes after ARCR.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 165 patients undergoing ARCR by a single surgeon (2010-2014).
• Inclusion criteria: minimum 9-year follow-up, manual labor occupation pre-surgery.
• Outcomes assessed: professional activity questionnaire and shoulder function evaluations.

Main Results:

• 77% of patients resumed their original occupation; 23% changed or discontinued work.
• Occupational change was associated with poorer shoulder function (lower Constant scores).
• Salaried employees were more likely to change occupations than self-employed individuals.

Conclusions:

• The majority of manual laborers can return to their previous jobs after ARCR.
• A significant minority (23%) experience career changes, potentially linked to persistent shoulder dysfunction.
• Self-employment may be a protective factor against occupational modification post-ARCR.