Outcomes of primary rotator cuff repair in non-diabetic patients using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists: A propensity-matched analysis

Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) has surged among non-diabetic individuals in response to the obesity epidemic. Their influence on musculoskeletal healing and orthopedic surgical outcomes remains poorly characterized. The purpose of this study is to evaluate postoperative outcomes following primary rotator cuff repair (RCR) in non-diabetic patients treated with GLP-1 RA.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database to identify non-diabetic patients who underwent RCR. Patients prescribed GLP-1 RA were propensity score-matched 1:1 with non-users based on demographics and comorbidities. Surgical and medical outcomes were compared using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals.

GLP-1 RA use was associated with significantly lower rates of re-tear (RR = 0.699, p < 0.001) and occupational therapy utilization (RR = 0.686, p < 0.011). There were no significant differences in readmission rates, emergency department utilization, or mortality between groups. However, GLP-1 RA users had higher rates of cardiovascular complications (RR = 1.426, p = 0.038).

GLP-1 RA use was associated with reduced rates of re-tear and occupational therapy utilization. No differences were observed in readmission rates, emergency department utilization, or mortality. These findings suggest a potential benefit of GLP-1 RA in musculoskeletal healing, though further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms involved.