Does Rotator Cuff Repair Improve Psychologic Status and Quality of Life in Patients With Rotator Cuff Tear?

Metal punch vs. drill for rotator cuff anchor socket creation: cadaveric and clinical comparisons

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has been shown to decrease pain and increase function of certain rotator cuff tears. One potential source of pain is the technique used for bone tunnel creation in the humerus prior to suture anchor placement. This study compared the standard metal punch method to a continuous drilling method for tunnel creation prior to subsequent suture anchor placement. Our hypothesis was that the use of a drill would result in less bony trauma and therefore superior resolution of postoperative pain following rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

Tunnels were created for 6 cadaveric (mean age: 50.83 ± 3.25; male n = 3; female n = 3) shoulder humeri using a 4-anchor construct to mimic transosseous equivalent rotator cuff repair. Following suture fixation, micro-computed tomography scans were performed for evaluation of peri-tunnel bone architecture. A tensile force was applied to the anchor through the suture material at a constant displacement rate of 1 mm/s until ultimate failure of the construct. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 25; IBM), and significance was set at P ≤.05. A total of 43 subjects between 18 and 80 years old were randomized into the study, with 22 in the drill group and 21 in the punch group. Following surgery, the first 5 patients in each cohort underwent magnetic resonance imaging at the 2-week postoperative visit. Pain and other patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed at all standard of care postoperative visits. Patient demographics and PROMs were assessed for significance within the groups using repeated measures analysis of variance and unpaired t test. A P value of <.05 was set for significance.

RESULTS

Preclinical: there were no statistically significant differences (P > .05) between punched and drilled anchors with respect to peri-socket bone architecture and material properties.

CLINICAL

there were no statistically significant differences (P > .05) between punch and drill cohorts for assessments of pain, function, or bone marrow lesion size. However, the punch cohort reported statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in pain scores at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months compared with preoperative scores (P < .02), whereas the drill cohort reported statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in pain scores at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery (P < .05). Similarly, the punch cohort reported statistically significant reductions in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System pain interference (PROMIS PI) scores, which were within 1 standard deviation of the healthy adult control population, at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months compared with preoperative scores (P < .05), whereas the drill cohort did not report statistically significant improvements in PROMIS PI scores until 3 months postoperatively and were not within 1 standard deviation of the healthy adult control population until 6 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Preclinical and clinical data suggest that it is reasonable to use either a punch or drill socket-creation method for suture anchor placement in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, while considering the potential for earlier pain relief associated with the punch method.

Phenome-wide comorbidity network analysis reveals clinical risk patterns in enthesopathy and enthesitis

Background

Enthesopathy and enthesitis, including rotator cuff disease and other tendon disorders, represent a heterogeneous group of musculoskeletal conditions with complex etiologies. Understanding how systemic health profiles influence their onset remains a critical challenge in musculoskeletal medicine.

Methods

We conducted a large-scale, phenome-wide comorbidity analysis using longitudinal electronic health records (EHR) from 432,757 UK Biobank participants. Incident cases of peripheral enthesopathies were compared to controls across 434 baseline disease phenotypes. A directed ego network was constructed to link significantly associated comorbidities to the target condition using odds ratio-based associations. Unsupervised clustering via UMAP and DBSCAN identified data-driven comorbidity clusters, which were consolidated into unified endotypes-interpreted as distinct systemic profiles contributing to disease risk. Additionally, metapath-based trajectory analysis was applied to uncover temporally structured multimorbidity chains leading to disease onset.

Results

We identified 183 baseline conditions significantly associated with the future development of enthesopathy (FDR < 0.05). Network clustering revealed eight comorbidity clusters, which were consolidated into four unified endotypes: Metabolic-Psychosomatic, Inflammatory-Multisystem, Mechanical-Injury-driven, and Aging-Intervention-related. Metapath analysis uncovered common three-step disease trajectories, such as metabolic-infectious-musculoskeletal and inflammatory skin-to-joint progressions, highlighting potential mechanistic pathways. These endotypes showed diverse clinical features but shared biological coherence, suggesting that different systemic health profiles can converge to drive tendon-related disease.

Conclusions

This study introduces a scalable framework for identifying systemic multimorbidity patterns underlying enthesopathy and enthesitis using phenome-wide comorbidity networks. By integrating network clustering and metapath analysis, we uncover interpretable, data-driven endotypes that may inform individualized risk assessment and targeted care strategies. These findings contribute to the growing field of biobank-scale disease modeling and offer a foundation for precision approaches in musculoskeletal medicine.

Rotator cuff repair: Sleep disturbance significantly improves after arthroscopic tendon repair

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to quantify sleep quality and define its evolution in patients treated for rotator cuff tears (RCTs) with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) and to understand its correlation with patients' depression and anxiety.

METHODS

The patients were part of the 'ARCR_Pred cohort study', a prospective multicentre cohort of ARCR patients.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

adult, RCT diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, treated by primary ARCR.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

irreparable tears, revision operations, open or mini-open reconstructions, pregnancy. Subjective sleep quality (prevalence and level of disturbance) was analysed. Psychological characteristics (PROMIS Sf questionnaire) and functional outcomes (Constant and Murley Score and Oxford Shoulder Score) were investigated. A gender-based analysis was performed as well. Patients were evaluated before the operation and prospectively at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Of the 973 patients, 611 (62.8%) were men, with the mean age being 57.3 ± 9.4 years (range, 21-84). A high prevalence of sleep disturbances was found before ARCR (88.4%), with 59% of the patients complaining of disturbance every night. Sleep disturbances progressively improved at 6 (37.2%) and 12 months (22.0%). Also, nocturnal pain (frequency of night disturbed by pain) progressively improved from 94.3% to 62.4% and then 37.9%. For depression and anxiety, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was retrieved among every group (undisturbed, occasionally and always disturbed) at all follow-ups. On the other hand, the post-op improvement led to a decrease in anxiety and depression levels passing from 50.1 and 51.4 points at baseline to 45.0 and 45.4 at 12 months, respectively. Women had statistically worse sleep quality at 6 and 12 months (41% vs. 36% and 27% vs. 19%, respectively) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

RCTs cause a high prevalence of sleep disturbance and nocturnal pain, which progressively resolves after an arthroscopic tendon repair. Women have a higher risk than men of presenting disturbed sleep quality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic cohort study.

Improvement in sleep disturbance following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND

Approximately 90% of patients express concerns with sleep shortly after developing shoulder-related symptoms. Previous small cohort studies have demonstrated the impact of rotator cuff repair (RCR) on sleep, but none have characterized the observed benefits. The purpose of this study is to evaluate sleep improvement after rotator cuff repair including the speed of sleep recovery, the time at which improvement plateaus, and the longer-term maintenance of improved sleep.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our institution's shoulder and elbow repository identified patients who underwent primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from 2012 to 2021 and reported sleep disturbance preoperatively. Patients were evaluated using sleep-related questions from the Simple Shoulder Test and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. Sleep outcomes were compared from a preoperative visit to 3-month, 6-month, 12-month, and most recent follow-ups to evaluate efficacy of treatment, speed of recovery, and improvement plateaus.

RESULTS

Among 677 RCR patients, 95.7% (648/677) reported sleep disturbance preoperatively. A total of 474 met inclusion criteria with median follow-up of 4.1 years (IQR, 2.1-6.1). At most recent follow-up, 81.8% were able to sleep comfortably and 65.7% were able to sleep on the affected side. A plateau in the ability to sleep comfortably was seen at 6 months while no plateau was observed in the ability to sleep on the affected side. More rapid improvement in the ability to sleep comfortably occurred during the first 3 months and from 3-6 months for the ability to sleep on the affected side.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients with sleep disturbance who undergo RCR, report significant, rapid, and lasting improvement in the ability to sleep comfortably and the ability to sleep on the affected side.

Sleep alterations following elective shoulder surgery: A systematic review

Background

Poor sleep quality due to nocturnal pain is increasingly reported as a major symptom in several shoulder pathologies. Sleep disturbance has been reported in up to 89% after rotator cuff tears and is frequently reported as the primary reason for referring patients to surgery. As a result, it is important to understand the impact of shoulder surgery on a patient's sleep quality.

Methods

A systematic literature review in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed to identify primary research articles reporting the relationship between sleep and shoulder surgery. The initial query yielded 276 articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 articles were included discussing the relationship between sleep and shoulder surgery.

Results

A total of 1097 patients were included in the 12 studies evaluating the impact of shoulder surgery on sleep quality, with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as the most used survey. Average preoperative PSQI across studies was 9.9 (poor sleep), and postoperative PSQI scores of 5.4 at 6 months (improved sleep).

Conclusion

Patients with shoulder pathologies have a poor sleep quality that improves after shoulder surgery. However, this improvement might not return sleep quality within the normal range, suggesting other factors might impact postoperative sleep quality.

Level of evidence

III.

Preoperative antidepressant use in patients with depression is associated with increased complications and additional shoulder procedures following rotator cuff repair

Background

Preoperative depression has been associated with inferior functional outcomes and increased complications following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). This study evaluated the association of antidepressant use with postoperative complications following arthroscopic RCR.

Methods

The TriNetX database was used to evaluate postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR from February 24, 2004 to February 24, 2024. Patients diagnosed preoperatively with depression and documented antidepressant use within 1 year preceding surgery were compared to patients with preoperative depression but no history of preoperative antidepressant use. The cohorts were propensity-matched for demographic factors including age, type 2 diabetes, nicotine dependence, alcohol-related and opioid-related disorders, and indicators of depression severity (eg, suicide attempt, history of self-harm, sleep disorders). Outcomes were evaluated within 90 days and 3 years postoperative.

Results

A total of 9151 patients with documented antidepressant medication use were matched with 5894 patients with no antidepressant use. Patients using antidepressants demonstrated significantly higher odds of acute postoperative pain (P < .0001), shoulder stiffness (P = .0011), and emergency department visit (P < .0001) within 90 days postoperative and significantly increased odds of shoulder pain (P < .0001); RCR revision surgery (P < .0001); shoulder arthrocentesis, aspiration, and/or injection (P < .0001); and shoulder arthroplasty (P < .0001) within 3 years postoperative.

Conclusion

Preoperative antidepressant use was associated with significantly increased odds of acute postoperative pain, emergency department visits, opioid abuse, and additional shoulder procedures following arthroscopic RCR and did not mitigate the deleterious impact of depression on arthroscopic RCR outcomes.

Sling Results in Better Sleep Quality and Less Anxiety Early After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Single-Blinded Trial

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance is commonly reported by patients wearing an abduction brace after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Although a sling has been proven noninferior to an abduction brace for function and repair integrity, there is no evidence-based medical support for the advantage of the sling in improving sleep quality compared with a brace.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

This study aimed to compare the effects of a sling and an abduction brace on sleep quality and clinical outcomes after ARCR. It was hypothesized that immobilization in a sling would result in better sleep quality while not deteriorating clinical outcomes and bone-tendon healing compared with an abduction brace.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

A total of 142 consecutive patients with rotator cuff tears were randomly assigned to 2 groups: (1) the brace group, receiving abduction brace immobilization for 6 weeks, and (2) the sling group, receiving sling immobilization after ARCR for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at 6 weeks postoperatively. Secondary outcomes-American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, pain, satisfaction, and tendon healing (using ultrasonography)-were evaluated until 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

Complete outcome measurements were obtained for 131 patients. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at 6 weeks was 11.1 ± 2.7 for the brace group and 9.2 ± 2.3 for the sling group (P < .001), indicating a statistically significant advantage for the sling group. The sling group also reported significantly lower Self-rating Anxiety Scale, lower pain level, and higher satisfaction scores at 6 weeks. No significant difference was observed in outcome measures between groups at 1 year. The tendon healing rates (91% vs 88%, respectively) were comparable between the brace and sling groups within the first 1 year (risk ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.92-1.16]; P = .59).

CONCLUSION

The use of a sling resulted in better sleep quality, less anxiety, and higher satisfaction compared with an abduction brace in the first 6 weeks after ARCR; nevertheless, functional outcomes and repair integrity were similar at 1 year postoperatively between the 2 groups. These findings indicate that a sling is appropriate for the postoperative care of ARCR. However, caution should be used when interpreting these results because the clinical relevance of sling-related benefits warrants further investigation.

REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2200059967 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).

The effect of rotator cuff repair on sleep quality: Influencing factors and the impact of narcotic medication on postoperative sleep patterns: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Impaired sleep quality often drives patients with rotator cuff tears (RCT) to seek surgical intervention. This meta-analysis reviews the impact of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) on sleep quality beyond six months and identifies influencing factors, primarily narcotics, on sleep quality.

Methods

The search spanned PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register, targeting articles evaluating rotator cuff injury and sleep quality. Information gathered included study features, bias risk assessment, evaluation of sleep quality using sleep-specific patient-reported outcomes, and the effects of opiates on sleep outcomes.

Results

Ten studies, including 445 patients who underwent ARCR were included. The preoperative mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) varied from 6.6 to 15. Eight studies presented a mean PSQI score of 3.6-7.1 at 6 months postoperatively; two studies reported mean score of 4.2 and 5.4 at 12 months. Both were found to be statistically significant by this meta-analysis compared to preoperative scores. Three studies found narcotic use, RCT size, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension to negatively affect PSQI scores.

Discussion

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair significantly improves sleep quality at 6 and 12 months following surgery. Perioperative narcotic use, RCT size, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension may negatively impact sleep quality.

Understanding preoperative health-related quality of life in rotator cuff tear patients: role of patients' characteristics

BACKGROUND

Assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a widely employed method in orthopedics to evaluate patient well-being and measure the effectiveness of surgical interventions. Understanding the relationship between specific baseline factors and preoperative HRQoL can help clinicians identify patients at risk for low quality of life and thus, develop preventive strategies that adequately address individual patient needs. The objective was to assess associations between baseline factors and preoperative HRQoL in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).

METHODS

This study is part of a multicenter prospective Swiss cohort study that included patients undergoing ARCR between June 2020 and November 2021. Data were derived from baseline and surgery forms. HRQoL was assessed using the European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire to calculate EQ-5D index and EQ VAS scores. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models examined associations between the 21 factors and preoperative HRQoL. Final models were determined using stepwise backward regression.

RESULTS

A total of 973 included patients (mean age [SD], 57.3 [9.4] years; 611 men [63%]) had a mean [SD] EQ-5D index and EQ VAS of 0.70 [0.23] and 68.7 [19.8], respectively. Being male (regression coefficient (β), 0.05; 95% CI [0.02-0.08]), having a higher age (β, 0.02; 95% CI [0.01-0.03]) and higher education levels (e.g., university, college: β, 0.11; 95% CI [0.06-0.16]) were associated with a higher EQ-5D index. Increased body mass index (β, -0.02; 95% CI [-0.04 to -0.01]) and worse sleep quality (β, -0.03; 95% CI [-0.04 to -0.03]) were associated with a lower EQ-5D index. Factors negatively associated with overall EQ VAS health were depression (e.g., moderate: β, -12.70; 95% CI [-16.18 to -9.21]), presence of at least one comorbidity (β, -3.71; 95% CI [-5.91 to -1.52]), and pain (β, -1.81; 95% CI [-2.36 to -1.26]).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that preoperative HRQoL is highly associated with sociodemographic and patient-related factors. Specifically addressing these factors may improve orthopedic care.

Analysis of related factors influencing the sleep quality in patients with rotator cuff tear after arthroscopic surgery

Recent studies have reported a prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The purpose of our study was to explore patient-reported factors correlated with sleep disturbance in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. We retrospectively evaluated 133 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for 6 months. We obtained the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, the University of California-Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale score (UCLA score), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and patient demographics. According to the PSQI scores, participants were divided into a sleep disorder group (A group, PSQI ≥5) and a normal sleep group (B group, PSQI <5). Statistical analyses included Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis to determine which patient-reported factors were associated with sleep disturbance. The mean VAS, UCLA score, UCLA Flexion, HADS-Anxiety (HADS-A), and HADS-Depression (HADS-D) scores in group A were 3.54, 26.36, 3.25, 5.43, and 5.93, respectively; in group B, the mean scores were 1.49, 30.72, 4.50, 2.11, and 1.79, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the VAS, UCLA, UCLA Flexion, HADS-A, HADS-D scores between the 2 groups (P < .05). In the categories of sex, age, body mass index, and tear size, there was no statistical significant difference between the 2 groups. (P > .05). HADS-D and UCLA Flexion were independent factors affecting sleep disturbance after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at 6 months (P < .05). Our study demonstrated that patients with sleep disturbances after arthroscopic shoulder surgery had a close relationship with the HADS-D, UCLA Flexion scores and had more pain, more dysfunction, and more pronounced psychological abnormalities. Therefore, more emphasis on psychotherapy and rehabilitation is required for patients with sleep disturbance.

Prevalence, resources, provider insights, and outcomes: a review of patient mental health in orthopaedic trauma

This literature review examines the impact of orthopaedic trauma on patient mental health. It focuses on patient outcomes, available resources, and healthcare provider knowledge and education. Orthopaedic trauma represents a significant physical and psychological burden for patients, often resulting in long-term disability, pain, and functional limitations. Understanding the impact of orthopaedic trauma on patient mental health is crucial for improving patient care, and optimizing recovery and rehabilitation outcomes. In this review, we synthesize the findings of empirical studies over the past decade to explore the current understanding of mental health outcomes in patients with orthopaedic trauma. Through this analysis, we identify gaps in existing research, as well as potential avenues for improving patient care and mental health support for patients with severe orthopaedic injuries. Our review reveals the pressing need for collaboration between healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and social support systems to ensure comprehensive mental care for patients with traumatic orthopaedic injuries.

History of mood and anxiety disorders affects return to work and return to sports after rotator cuff repair

INTRODUCTION

After rotator cuff repair (RCR), return to work and return to sports is affected by various psychosocial factors. The role of one of these factors - mood and anxiety disorders (MAD) - is still not clear. The primary objective of this study was to determine the influence of prior MAD on the return to work and return to sports after RCR. Our hypothesis was that patients with a history of MAD would take longer to return to work and to sports after RCR, and the rate of return would be lower, than for patients without MAD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective single-center study of patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR (distal supraspinatus tear). Patients who were employed and those who participated in sports before the surgery were included in the "working" and "sports" groups, respectively. The primary outcomes were the time to return to work and return to sports after surgery. The secondary outcomes were the ratio of patients returning to work and to sports at 3, 6 and 12 months; rate of return to same level of sports; need to change or stop working or sports. The effects of prior MAD on these various outcomes were determined using Bayesian multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The "working" group consisted of 158 patients (of which 16.5% had MAD) and the "sports" group consisted of 118 patients (of which 17.8% had MAD). In those with a history of MAD, return to work was 21±11 weeks later and the return to sports was 17±8 weeks later than in those without MAD. There was a 98% probability that return to work or return to sports was delayed by at least 4 weeks in patients with history of MAD. The likelihood that patients with prior MAD who undergo RCR will completely abandon their sport was 2.8 times higher (OR=2.8 [1; 7.8]).

CONCLUSION

We found a negative influence of prior MAD on the return to work and return to sports after RCR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; retrospective case-control study.

Correlation between the optimal screening for prediction of referral and outcome yellow flag tool and patient-reported legacy outcome measures in patients undergoing shoulder surgery

Background

The Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome Yellow Flag (OSPRO-YF) Tool is a 10-item multidimensional screening tool utilized to evaluate pain-related psychological traits in individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions. The validity of postoperatively collected OSPRO-YF is unclear. This study sought to assess validity of the OSPRO-YF by comparing it to patient-reported outcome scores in both preoperative and postoperative settings.

Hypothesis

The authors hypothesized that OSPRO-YF overall score would correlate with shoulder and global function PROs at preoperative and postoperative timepoints.

Methods

A review of 101 patients undergoing shoulder surgery by one sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at a large academic institution was conducted. 90 and 54 patients had complete preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome responses. OSPRO-YF, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Evaluation Form, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Computer Adaptive Test (PROMIS-CAT) were routinely administered before and after surgery at the senior author's clinic visits. Concurrent validity of OSPRO-YF at either timepoint was assessed by comparing scores with PROs cross-sectionally using Pearson correlations and multiple comparison corrections.

Results

Preoperatively, higher OSPRO-YF total score was associated with greater concurrent PROMIS-CAT Pain Interference (r = 0.43; P < .01) and Depression (r = 0.36; P = .05) and lower ASES (r = -0.34; P < .01). Higher postoperative OSPRO-YF was also associated with greater concurrent PROMIS-CAT Pain Interference (r = 0.43; P < .01) and Depression (r = 0.36; P < .01) and lower ASES (r = -0.34; P = .01). ASES had strong correlation with Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation and Pain scores at both preoperative and postoperative timepoints. Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation was not significantly associated with OSPRO-YF total score or number of yellow flags at either timepoints.

Conclusion

The study findings support the clinical validity of the 10-item OSPRO-YF tool when administered before or after shoulder surgery. For patients exhibiting suboptimal recovery or those identified as high risk at initial screening, assessment of pain-related psychological distress postoperatively may be particularly beneficial in guiding rehabilitation.

The association between self-assessed improvement in mental health preceding rotator cuff repair and patient satisfaction: A retrospective cohort study

Background

The association between preoperative mental health trends and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) outcomes and patient satisfaction has not been previously described. We investigated the association between a subjective change in preoperative mental health and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and achievement of patient satisfaction and substantial clinical benefit (SCB), defined as an improvement of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment score ≥ 17.5, following RCR.

Methods

Among patients undergoing RCR, various PROMs were collected preoperatively and at follow-up intervals up to 2 years postoperatively. Patient satisfaction and achievement of SCB were analyzed relative to subjective reports of better, worse, or unchanged mental health in the year preceding RCR and preoperative PROMs.

Results

Eighty-eight patients (47 male and 41 female) with a median age of 60.0 years (interquartile range (IQR), 10.0) were included in this study. All patients (n = 13) who reported improved mental health status preceding RCR had significantly better satisfaction (P = 0.03) and SCB (P ≤ 0.05) at 2 years postoperatively compared to patients who reported worse or unchanged mental status.

Discussion

Subjective improvement in mental health status preceding arthroscopic RCR was associated with patient satisfaction and achievement of SCB at 2 years postoperatively.

A threshold of lower preoperative mental health is associated with decreased achievement of comfort and capability benchmarks following rotator cuff repair: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Preoperative biomedical patient characteristics are known to affect the time to achievement of clinically significant outcomes (CSOs) following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). However, less is known about the association between preoperative mental status and the time to achievement of CSOs. We hypothesize that higher preoperative mental status is associated with faster achievement of CSOs following arthroscopic RCR.

METHODS

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected preoperatively and at postoperative intervals up to 2 years. PROMs included pain visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) scores. Threshold values for CSOs were obtained from previous literature. Mean time to achievement of CSOs was calculated using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify preoperative variables associated with earlier achievement of CSOs.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients with an average age of 59 ± 8 years were included. Patients with higher preoperative mental status, as measured by VR-12 mental component summary (MCS), experienced significantly earlier substantial pain improvement postoperatively (P = .0471). Patients with higher preoperative mental status also achieved CSOs for physical health at earlier time points (P = .0187). Preoperative VR-12 MCS scores ≥ 40 were associated with earlier achievement of CSOs for pain (P = .0005) and physical health (P = .0015). Ninety-eight percent of patients with preoperative MCS scores ≥40 achieved acceptable pain relief at 4.5 months vs. 56% of all other patients at 12.3 months (P = .0001). Patients with preoperative MCS scores ≥40 experienced significantly faster improvement in physical health compared to patients with preoperative MCS scores <40 (P = .0006).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher preoperative mental status, especially a preoperative MCS score ≥40, is associated with significantly faster improvement in pain and physical function following arthroscopic RCR. Nearly all patients (98%) with preoperative MCS score ≥40 achieved an acceptable state of pain relief compared with only 56% of patients with preoperative MCS score <40. These findings indicate that a holistic approach with equal consideration of preoperative mental health and rotator cuff pathophysiology is vital to the successful management of rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Psychosocial Factors, Sleep, and Central Pain Processing for Making a Prognosis About Recovery of Pain, Function, and Quality of Life After Rotator Cuff Repair: An Exploratory Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE: To explore modifiable psychosocial factors, sleep-related variables, indices of central pain processing and patients' characteristics as potential prognostic factors for pain, shoulder function, and quality of life (QoL) 1 year after rotator cuff repair. DESIGN: This observational longitudinal study included 142 patients who were undergoing rotator cuff repair. All measures took place pre-rotator cuff repair (T0), and 12 weeks (T1) and 12 months (T2) after rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Mixed-effects linear regression modeled relationships between the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC, model A), the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV, model B), and EuroQol's EQ-5D-5L for QoL (model C), and potential prognostic factors over time. Factors included psychosocial variables, sleep-related indices, and proxies of central pain processing. Patients' age, sex, and body mass index complemented the analyses. RESULTS: At follow-up (T2), data from 124 participants were available for analysis. Five prognostic factors were identified for the 1-year outcome. Better expectations for symptom reduction (P<.0001, -1.4 mm) and an increase in Douleur Neuropathique 4 score (P = .0481, -0.9 mm) affected the evolution of WORC over time (model A). An increase in injury perception subscale consequence (P = .0035, 0.04%) influenced the SSV trajectory (model B). In addition, when sleep quality (P = .0011, -0.13%) and sleep efficiency (P = .0002, 0.005%) improved, the EQ-5D-5L slope was affected (model C). CONCLUSION: Addressing cognitions, pain mechanisms and sleep behavior prior to rotator cuff repair can identify people who are at risk of a poor outcome after surgery. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(8):530-540. Epub 4 July 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12398.

What Is the Trajectory of Recovery in the Early Postoperative Period after the Big 3 Shoulder Surgeries? Comparative Analysis Using 3 Previous Prospective Studies

(1) Background: The aims of this study were to compare serial changes in outcome measures in the early postoperative period after rotator cuff repair (RCR), anatomical total shoulder replacement (ATSR), and reverse total shoulder replacement (RTSR). (2) Methods: In total, 143 patients who underwent RCR (n = 47), ATSR (n = 46), and RTSR (n = 50) were included. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the activity of daily living (ADL) score, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score were completed. (3) Results: At 3 months, the recovery rate for the VAS pain score was 43.7% in the RCR, 89.1% in the ATSR, and 78.4% in RTSR. The recovery rate for the ADL score was 36.3%, 69.5%, and 76.4%. The recovery rate for ASES score was 40.9%, 79.5%, and 77.4%. For all outcome measures, a lower recovery rate was observed in the RCR group than in the ATSR and RTSR groups. At 6 months after surgery, the recovery rate for the VAS pain score was 69.9%, 100%, and 90.3%. The recovery rate for the ADL score was 66.8%, 92.8%, and 91.5%. The recovery rate for the ASES score was 68.7%, 96.5%, and 90.9%. (4) Conclusion: Compared with ATSR and RTSR, a slower recovery rate was observed for RCR, measured to be approximately 40% at 3 months and 70% at 6 months after surgery. Rapid improvement in pain and shoulder function was achieved after ATSR and RTSR, with a recovery rate of over 70% at 3 months and over 90% at 6 months after surgery.

Latin American formal consensus on the indications for the surgical treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears

OBJECTIVES

To implement the Formal Consensus Method among a group of experts in shoulder surgery in Latin America, in order to establish appropriate indications for the surgical treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff injuries.

METHODS

The Formal Consensus Method was used to develop surgical treatment recommendations for massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCT). Three independent groups of experts in shoulder surgery were confirmed. The steering group conducted a systematic literature review and constructed a voting matrix consisting of 348 clinical scenarios. The rating group, composed of 15 members, rated each scenario on two occasions: first anonymously and then during an in-person discussion meeting. The median and voting ranges were used to classify each scenario as inappropriate, uncertain, or appropriate for each surgical technique. Finally, the reading group, consisting of 10 surgeons, reviewed, evaluated and rated the recommendations derived from the detailed analysis of the voting grids.

RESULTS

The main finding of the study reveals a high percentage (70%) of clinical scenarios in which consensus was achieved regarding the appropriateness or inappropriateness of different surgical alternatives for the treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff injuries. Through a detailed analysis of the voting grids, a total of 20 recommendations were elaborated concerning the appropriateness of various surgical techniques in addressing irreparable rotator cuff tears.

CONCLUSIONS

The indications for the operative treatment of MIRCT were determined based on expert consensus and the best available evidence, they seek to provide guidance on the appropriateness of various surgical techniques for different clinical scenarios.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V.

The impact of pre-operative depression on pain outcomes after major surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Symptoms of depression are common among patients before surgery. Depression may be associated with worse postoperative pain and other pain-related outcomes. This review aimed to characterise the impact of pre-operative depression on postoperative pain outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies that reported an association between pre-operative depression and pain outcomes after major surgery. Multilevel random effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool standardised mean differences and 95%CI for postoperative pain scores in patients with depression compared with those without depression, at different time intervals. A meta-analysis was performed for studies reporting change in pain scores from the pre-operative period to any time-point after surgery. Sixty studies (n = 501,962) were included in the overall review, of which 18 were eligible for meta-analysis. Pre-operative depression was associated with greater pain scores at < 72 h (standardised mean difference 0.97 (95%CI 0.37-1.56), p = 0.009, I2  = 41%; moderate certainty) and > 6 months (standardised mean difference 0.45 (95%CI 0.23-0.68), p < 0.001, I2  = 78%; low certainty) after surgery, but not at 3-6 months after surgery (standardised mean difference 0.54 (95%CI -0.06-1.15), p = 0.07, I2  = 83%; very low certainty). The change in pain scores from pre-operative baseline to 1-2 years after surgery was similar between patients with and without pre-operative depression (standardised mean difference 0.13 (95%CI -0.06-0.32), p = 0.15, I2  = 54%; very low certainty). Overall, pre-existing depression before surgery was associated with worse pain severity postoperatively. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating psychological care into current postoperative pain management approaches in patients with depression.

The effect of cuff arthropathy stage on sleep disturbance and kinesiophobia in reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients

BACKGROUND

The current study aimed to determine the changes in pre-and post-operative Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) and Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK) values ​​according to the Hamada classification in patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA).

METHODS

One hundred and eight patients who underwent RSA for RCTA were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups with low grade (stages 1-2-3) (n = 49) and high grade (stages 4a-4b-5) (n = 59) according to the Hamada classification, which is the radiographic evaluation of RCTA. PSQI and TSK values ​​were calculated preoperatively, and post-operatively at the 6th week, 6th month, and 1st year. The change in PSQI and TSK values ​​between the evaluations and the effect of staging according to the Hamada classification on this change was examined.

RESULTS

When compared in preoperative evaluations, PSQI and TSK scores were found to be lower in low-grade group 1 (7.39 ± 1.56, 51.88 ± 4.62, respectively) than in high-grade group 2 (10.47 ± 2.39, 57.05 ± 3.25, respectively) according to Hamada classification (both p < 0.001). In the postoperative evaluations, PSQI and TSK results decreased gradually compared to the preoperative evaluations, and there was a severe decrease in both parameters between the 6th-week and 6th-month evaluations (both p < 0.001). Preoperatively, 102 (95%) patients had sleep disturbance (PSQI ≥ 6), and 108 (100%) patients had high kinesiophobia (TSK > 37). In the 1st year follow-ups, sleep disturbance was observed in 5 (5%) patients and kinesiophobia in 1 (1%) patient. When the Hamada stages were compared, it was seen that there was a significant difference before the operation (both p < 0.001), but the statistically significant difference disappeared in the PSQI value in the 1st year (p = 0.092) and in the TSK value in the 6th month (p = 0.164) post-operatively. It was observed that Hamada staging caused significant differences in PSQI and TSK values ​​in the preoperative period but did not affect the clinical results after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

RSA performed based on RCTA improves sleep quality and reduces kinesiophobia. RCTA stage negatively affects PSQI and TSK before the operation but does not show any effect after the treatment.

Predictors of pain development for contralateral asymptomatic degenerative rotator cuff tears based on features of an ipsilateral painful cuff tear: a prospective longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

Prior rotator cuff disease natural history studies have focused on tear-related factors that predict disease progression within a given shoulder. The purpose of this study was to examine both patient- and tear-related characteristics of a painful rotator cuff tear that predict future pain development and functional impairment in a shoulder with a contralateral asymptomatic cuff tear.

METHODS

This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study of patients aged ≤65 years who underwent surgery for a painful degenerative rotator cuff tear and possessed an asymptomatic contralateral tear. Patients were followed up prospectively by shoulder ultrasound, physical examination, and functional score assessment. The primary outcome was change in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score at 2 years. Secondary outcomes included the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) score, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) score, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) depression and anxiety scores, and Veterans RAND-12 (VR-12) mental component score (MCS).

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were included, with a mean follow-up period of 37 months (range, 24-42 months). In 17 patients (26%), contralateral shoulder pain developed at a median of 15.2 months (interquartile range [IQR], 10.5 months). No difference in age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, or occupational demand was noted between patients in whom pain developed and those in whom pain did not develop. In the presenting painful shoulder, there was no difference in baseline tear size, muscle degeneration, or biceps pathology between groups. The mean baseline tear length (8.6 mm vs. 3.8 mm, P = .0008) and width (8.4 mm vs. 3.2 mm, P = .0004) were larger in asymptomatic shoulders in which pain subsequently developed compared with those in which pain did not develop. However, there was no difference in mean tear enlargement (P = .51 for length and P = .90 for width). There were no differences in baseline ASES, WORC, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), or HADS depression and anxiety scores between shoulders in which pain developed and those in which pain did not develop; however, patients in whom pain developed reported a lower baseline VR-12 MCS (53.3 vs. 57.6, P = .04). Shoulders in which pain developed had higher visual analog scale pain scores (2.9 [standard deviation (SD), 2.5] vs. 0.6 [SD, 1.0]; P = .016), lower ASES scores 75 [SD, 33] vs. 100 [SD, 11.6]; P = .001), and significant changes in all WORC scales with pain onset compared with those that remained asymptomatic. The study showed no significant difference in changes in the HADS anxiety and depression scores but found a significant increase in the VR-12 MCS in patients in whom pain developed (7.1 [interquartile range, 12.6] vs. -1.9 [interquartile range, 8.7]; P = .036).

CONCLUSION

In one-quarter of patients with painful cuff tears, pain developed in a contralateral asymptomatic cuff tear that resulted in a measurable decline in function within 3 years. Our analysis showed that only the baseline tear size of the asymptomatic shoulder was predictive of pain development. There were no tear-related features of the presenting painful rotator cuff tear or indices of mental health and physical function or occupational demand that were predictive of future pain development at short-term follow-up.

Patients with rotator cuff tears present a psychological impairment, not only a functional deficit: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Psychological factors impact patients with rotator cuff tears (RCT) in terms of pain level, shoulder function, sleep disturbance, and quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of psychological factors in those patients, evaluate their influence on patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), and assess the possible improvement with surgical treatment.

METHODS

The literature search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Cochrane Library up to January, 2023.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

RCT treated with arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstruction (ARCR), description of psychological variables evaluated with validated questionnaires, descriptions of PROMs.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies included 7021 patients. Depression was found in eight studies (19.2%), anxiety in 6 (13.0%), sleep disturbance in seven (71.3%), and distress in three studies (26.4%). Studies evaluating the relationship between psychological impairment and pain documented more pain and impaired shoulder function before and after ARCR in patients with altered psychological status.

DISCUSSION

An impaired psychological status has an important impact on patients' perception of their disease. RCT patients with psychological alterations often experience more pain and reduced shoulder function, thus having worse QoL.

CONCLUSION

This study underlines that psychological impairment largely affects RCT patient condition and treatment outcome, which underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial intervention to achieve better results.

Patients With Depression and/or Anxiety Having Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Show Decreased Number of Prescriptions and Number of Psychotherapy Sessions in the Year After Surgery

PURPOSE

To determine whether the utilization of psychological treatments changes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) for patients with preoperative depression and/or anxiety.

METHODS

The Truven Healthcare Marketscan database was used to identify patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR between January 2009 and December 2016. We included all patients with diagnosis codes associated with either depression or anxiety before RCR. Patients were excluded if they did not have complete insurance coverage for 1 year before or after surgery, or if they had arthroscopic RCR in the year before the index surgical procedure. We compared the proportion of patients with preoperative depression or anxiety who filled a prescription and had psychotherapy procedural codes in the year before and the year after arthroscopic RCR.

RESULTS

A total of 170,406 patients who underwent RCR were identified, of which depression and/or anxiety was found in 46,737 patients (43.7% male). Of the 46,737 patients, 19.6% filled a prescription for a depression/anxiety medication at least once in the year before surgery. Of this subset of patients, 41.5% did not fill a prescription for depression or anxiety medication after surgery, whereas 32.6% continued medication use but demonstrated a median 30-day reduction in the number of days' worth of medication. Similarly, 13.1% of patients were attending psychotherapy sessions preoperatively, but 76.6% of those patients either stopped or reduced the amount of psychotherapy sessions in the year following RCR.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of prescriptions and psychotherapy sessions decreased in the year after RCR for patients with preoperative diagnoses of depression and/or anxiety.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

History of mood and anxiety disorders does not affect the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND

A pre-existing mood and anxiety disorder (MAD) is often present in patients with rotator cuff pathology, but its presumed negative effect on the outcomes has not been demonstrated.

AIM OF STUDY AND HYPOTHESIS

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate how a history of MAD affects the clinical outcomes 1 year after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). The secondary objectives were to evaluate how a history of MAD affects tendon healing, analgesic consumption and the occurrence of complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 219 patients (mean age 54.5±6.6 years) who underwent arthroscopic repair for a distal supraspinatus tendon tear, with 17% (38/219) presenting an history of MAD (depression, unspecified mood disorder, anxiety, and bipolar disorder). Using univariate and multivariate analyses, the joint range of motion, Constant score, analgesic consumption, occurrence of complications during the first postoperative year and tendon healing at 1 year (MRI or CT arthrography) were compared between the two groups (with or without MAD).

RESULTS

The Constant score was lower preoperatively in patients with history of MAD (-4 points, p=.04) but there were no significant differences between the two groups at the various postoperative follow-up time points (p>.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups of patients in their analgesic consumption at the various postoperative time points (p>.05), tendon healing at 1 year (p=.17) or the occurrence of postoperative complications (p=.59).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Pre-existing MAD had no effect on the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic RCR at 1 year and no effect on tendon healing, analgesic consumption or the occurrence of complications in our study population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; retrospective case-control study.

The Effects of Pre-existing Mood Disorders on Patient-Reported Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to evaluate the effect of pre-existing mood disorders on patient-reported outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).

METHODS

Two independent reviewers performed a literature search using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. Only studies which grouped as either having a pre-existing mood disorder (namely anxiety and/or depression) or not and evaluated patient-reported outcomes following ARCR procedures were considered for inclusion. Meta-analysis was performed on outcomes using RevMan, with a p-value <0.05 being deemed statistically significant.

RESULTS

Our search found 8 studies including 1,166 shoulders (58.9% males), with an average age of 57.7 ± 3.2 years (21-81) and mean follow-up of 20.8 ± 16.7 months (3-77) which met our inclusion criteria. There were a total of 262 patients (22.5%; mean age 59.9 ± 1.4 years) with pre-existing anxiety and/or depression and 904 patients (77.5%; mean age 59.7 ± 1.7 years) in the control group who underwent ARCR, respectively. Meta-analysis found significantly lower American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores as well as Simple Shoulder Test scores in patients with pre-existing anxiety and/or depression when compared with a control (mean difference [MD] -7.92 [-9.45, -6.40], p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%; MD -1.56 [-2.54, -0.59], p = 0.002, I2 = 80%, respectively) In addition, meta-analysis demonstrated significantly higher Visual Analog Scale scores for pain in patients with pre-existing anxiety and/or depression when compared with a control (MD 0.70 [0.02, 1.38], p = 0.04, I2 = 71%). Furthermore, meta-analysis performed found that ARCR resulted in significant changes in the rates of reported anxiety and/or depression in patients with pre-existing anxiety and/or depression (MD 4.06[-2.47, 6.68], p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSION

Our review found that patients with pre-existing mood disorders were significantly more likely to report higher rates of postoperative pain and poorer functional outcomes following ARCR procedures, when compared with controls without mood disorders. Therefore, the presence of pre-existing anxiety and/or depression warrants consideration in the management paradigm for patients with rotator cuff tears. More optimistically, however, ARCR resulted in significant improvements in anxiety and/or depressive symptoms postoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III; systematic review of retrospective comparative studies. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Postoperative psychological factors and quality of life but not shoulder brace adherence affect clinical outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND

Despite the high prevalence, there is no consensus for postsurgical management after rotator cuff repair. We aimed to assess the impact of psychological well-being on patients who underwent rotator cuff repair. We also investigated correlations and possible predictors between patient demographics and adherence to the use of the shoulder brace and outcomes in terms of shoulder functionality and quality of life.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study with prospective data collection enrolling 120 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff tear repair. Each patient was clinically evaluated after a mean follow-up of 24.2 (±9.8) months using (1) the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale, (2) the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), (3) the Rotator Cuff Quality of Life (RC-QoL), (4) the visual analog scale, and (5) the Medical Adherence Measure.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 100 patients (45 females, 45%) averaging 60.9 (±8.5) years. The average brace wearing time was 3.4 (±0.6) weeks, with an adherence superior to 80% in 84% of cases, and 96% of patients were living with family members. The mean postoperative DASH scores were 20.1 (±16.7), 23.4 (±25), and 18.9 (±21.5) for the general, work, and sport sections, respectively. The mean Medical Adherence Measure score reached 72.5 (±14.2) points, and the RC-QoL mean score was 30.4% (±20.5). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression scores' continuous mean values were 5.1 (±3.4) and 3.9 (±3.6), respectively. The DASH, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression, and RC-QoL scores directly correlated with each other, and all these questionnaires directly correlated with the visual analog scale scores. Moreover, we found a direct correlation (r = 0.204, P = .033) between the female sex and adherence to the brace and a direct correlation (r = 0.242, P = .015) between adherence to the brace and the number of weeks it was worn according to the medical recommendation. A correlation between lower educational qualifications and poorer outcomes was found. No correlation emerged between adherence to the brace and functional results. According to the regression analysis, diabetes was found to be a predictor of worse postoperative DASH scores (β = 0.245, P = 0.28).

CONCLUSION

A lower perceived quality of life was associated with worse functional results, anxiety and depression symptoms, and pain after rotator cuff repair surgery. The adherence to the use of the shoulder brace was associated with the female sex and a longer prognosis, but no correlation emerged between adherence to the brace and functional outcomes.

Mechanisms of ferroptosis with immune infiltration and inflammatory response in rotator cuff injury

The processes driving ferroptosis and rotator cuff (RC) inflammation are yet unknown. The mechanism of ferroptosis and inflammation involved in the development of RC tears was investigated. The Gene Expression Omnibus database was used to obtain the microarray data relevant to the RC tears for further investigation. In this study, we created an RC tears rat model for in vivo experimental validation. For the additional function enrichment analysis, 10 hub ferroptosis-related genes were chosen to construct the correlation regulation network. In RC tears, it was discovered that genes related to hub ferroptosis and hub inflammatory response were strongly correlated. The outcomes of in vivo tests showed that RC tears were related to Cd68-Cxcl13, Acsl4-Sat1, Acsl3-Eno3, Acsl3-Ccr7, and Ccr7-Eno3 pairings in regulating ferroptosis and inflammatory response. Thus, our results show an association between ferroptosis and inflammation, providing a new avenue to explore the clinical treatment of RC tears.

Resolution of Sleep Disturbance and Improved Functional Outcomes After Rotator Cuff Repair

BACKGROUND

Most patients experience sleep disturbances before rotator cuff repair, with these symptoms largely improving postoperatively. However, the relationship between the resolution or persistence of sleep disturbance and patient-reported outcomes after rotator cuff repair remains unknown.

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes after rotator cuff repair between patients who reported a preoperative sleep disturbance and those who did not. Outcomes at various time points after surgery were also assessed in relation to the persistence or resolution of sleep disturbance.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a tertiary academic center were prospectively enrolled in a registry database. Patient characteristics were obtained preoperatively and validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were obtained pre- and postoperatively, including the visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Simple Shoulder Test, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey Physical and Mental components. Sleep disturbance was evaluated via responses to Simple Shoulder Test question 2. Patients with and without sleep disturbance were compared before and after surgery.

RESULTS

In total, 293 patients were prospectively enrolled. A total of 262 (89.8%) patients reported a sleep disturbance preoperatively. Of these, 221 (84.4%) reported a resolution of sleep disturbance by 2 years postoperatively. After adjustment for age, workers' compensation status, and Cofield tear size, patients with a preoperative sleep disturbance reported significantly worse baseline PROMs, apart from the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey Mental component, before surgery. However, postoperatively, these patients had greater improvement in PROMs, and no significant remaining differences were seen at follow-up between patients with and without preoperative sleep disturbance. Among patients who reported a preoperative sleep disturbance, those whose symptoms resolved postoperatively had superior PROM scores as well as significantly greater improvements from preoperative baseline values compared with patients with persistent sleep disturbances after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Patients with preoperative sleep disturbances reported worse baseline functional scores before rotator cuff repair compared with patients without sleep disturbance. These disturbances largely resolved after surgery, with postoperative outcomes comparable with those of patients who reported no preoperative sleep concerns. Patients whose sleep disturbances resolved postoperatively also reported superior PROM scores compared with patients whose sleep disturbances persisted postoperatively.

Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Correlated to Patient-Reported Outcome Measures after Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Study in the Perioperative Period

Anxiety and depressive symptoms adversely affect surgical outcomes in patients with rotator cuff tear (RCT) undergoing surgical repair. Patients without a diagnosis of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, before rotator cuff repair (RCR) can be considered an optimal candidate for surgery. The objective of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the relationship between anxiety and depressive symptoms, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as an assessment tool, and patient-reported outcome measures in RCT after repair surgery. This study included patients with RCT undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Forty-three patients were included who had completed the HADS, Constant Murley Score (CMS), and Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) questionnaires before surgery and in the postoperative follow-up, at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The Friedman test showed that there were statistically significant changes in the different times point for HADS (p < 0.001), anxiety subscale of HADS, i.e., HADS-A (p < 0.001), depression subscale of HADS, i.e., HADS-D (p < 0.001), CMS (p < 0.001), and SF-36 (p < 0.001). The average scores of HADS, HADS-A, and HADS-D improved at each follow-up, showing improvement in discomfort. From the third month after surgery, there was an improvement in anxiety and depression disorders related to improved quality of life, functionality, and pain perception. The trend remained stable until the sixth month of follow up. This study shows that anxiety and depressive symptoms in RCT patients are significantly reduced after RCR with subsequent important improvements in terms of functionality, ability to carry out activities of daily living, perceived pain, and quality of life.

Establishing the Minimum Clinically Significant Difference (MCID) and the Patient Acceptable Symptom Score (PASS) for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in Patients with Rotator Cuff Disease and Shoulder Prosthesis

Insufficiently treated shoulder pain may cause mental disturbances, including depression and anxiety. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that aims to identify depression and anxiety in patients in nonpsychiatric wards. The aim of this study was to identify the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) scores for the HADS in a cohort of individuals with rotator cuff disease. Using the HADS, participants' degrees of anxiety and depression were assessed at inception and at their final assessment 6 months after surgery. To calculate the MCID and the PASS, distribution and anchor approaches were employed. The MCID from inception to final assessment was 5.7 on the HADS, 3.8 on the HADS-A, and 3.3 on the HADS-D. A 5.7 amelioration on the HADS score, 3.8 on the HADS-A, and 3.3 on the HADS-D, from inception to final assessment, meant that patients had reached a clinically meaningful improvement in their symptom state. The PASS was 7 on the HADS, 3.5 on the HADS-A, and 3.5 on the HADS-D; therefore, for the majority of patients, a score of at least 7 on the HADS, 3.5 on the HADS-A, and 3.5 on the HADS-D at final evaluation was considered a satisfactory symptom state.

Pre-existing Mental Health Diagnoses Are Associated With Higher Rates of Postoperative Complications, Readmissions, and Reoperations Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between preoperative mental health disorders and postoperative complications, readmissions, and ipsilateral revision procedures among patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2020 was performed using the PearlDiver database. Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases codes were used to compare patients with and without mental health disorders who underwent arthroscopic RCR. Mental health disorders evaluated in this study include depressive disorder, major depressive disorder, major depressive affective disorder, bipolar disorder, dysthymic disorder, adjustment disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Patients were matched at a 1:1 ratio based on age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, body mass index, and tobacco use. Rates of complications and subsequent surgeries were compared between patients with and without a preoperative diagnosis of a mental health disorder.

RESULTS

The 1-year preoperative prevalence of a mental health disorder from 2010 to 2020 was 14.6%. After 1:1 matching, patients with a mental health disorder who underwent arthroscopic RCR were nearly twice as likely to undergo a revision procedure (odds ratio 1.94, 95% confidence interval 1.76-2.14, P < .001) and more than twice as likely to experience conversion to shoulder arthroplasty (odds ratio 2.29, 95% confidence interval 1.88-2.80, P < .001) within 2 years of initial arthroscopy when compared with patients without a mental disorder. Patients with a mental disorder also experienced increased risk for 90-day readmission (1.9% vs 0%, P < .001) as well as multiple postoperative medical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pre-existing mental health diagnoses experience increased rates of 90-day postoperative complications and readmissions following arthroscopic RCR. In addition, patients with mental health diagnoses are more likely to undergo revision repair and conversion to shoulder arthroplasty within 2 years of the index procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

No difference in clinical outcome after rotator cuff repair performed within or later than 3 months after trauma: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Rotator cuff (RC) tear is one of the most common injuries of the shoulder. Patients with RC tears often report a trauma initiating shoulder pain and impaired function. The aim of this retrospective analysis of a prospectively registered cohort was to elucidate whether the time interval between the trauma and RC repair, using a cut off of 3 months, affects the functional outcome after 2 years.

METHODS

In a single orthopedic unit, 819 consecutive patients were treated with rotator cuff repair during the period from 2010 to 2014 and 733 of the patients completed the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index preoperatively and at 2-year follow-up. The Constant-Murley (CM) score was completed by trained physiotherapists after a clinical examination both preoperatively and at 2-year follow-up. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in all patients and postoperatively in 65% of the included patients. Re-tears and partial repairs were excluded, as were patients with pseudoparalysis who were given high priority and underwent surgery during the first 3 weeks after trauma.

RESULTS

Of the 733 treated patients, 437 (60%) reported having had a shoulder trauma in their medical history initiating their shoulder symptoms, and of these, 358 met the inclusion criteria. 296 patients with non-traumatic tears, 9 repairs done within 3 weeks after trauma, 25 partial repairs, 33 re-tears and 12 others were excluded. At 2-year follow-up there was no significant difference in WORC index (n.s.) or CM score (n.s.) between patients who had their RC repaired within or more than 3 months after trauma. In patients where RC repair was performed within 3 months, the WORC index improved by 42.9%, and in the group of patients operated later than 3 months, the increase was 38.7%. This difference between the groups was neither statistically significant (n.s.) nor clinically relevant. On postoperative MRI, 80% of the repairs were healed in both groups.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective cohort study, no differences in clinical outcome were found when RC repair was performed between 3 weeks and 3 months or later than 3 months after injury in patients describing their onset of symptoms as traumatic.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Supraspinatus pathology on MRI is associated with degree of weakness on dynamic clinical strength testing

OBJECTIVE

To analyze shoulder strength and function in patients presenting with possible supraspinatus pathology and to ascertain if these clinical findings are associated with severity of supraspinatus pathology on MRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 171 patients with presumptive rotator cuff pathology and with preserved strength on standard rotator cuff examination were prospectively recruited. Patients were subjected to bilateral shoulder strength testing employing dynamometry; this included isometric strength testing at 90° of abduction, followed by eccentric assessment of isotonic strength from full abduction through the full range of motion until the arm rested at the patient's side. We calculated absolute strength and symptomatic-to-asymptomatic arm (S/A) strength ratios. On subsequent shoulder MRI, supraspinatus pathology was designated into one of seven categories. The association between strength measurements and MRI findings was analyzed.

RESULTS

Increasing lesion severity on MRI was associated with both decreasing absolute strength (no tear [59.9 N] to full-thickness tear [44.2 N]; P = 0.036) and decreasing S/A strength ratios during isotonic testing (no tear [91.9%] to full-thickness tear [65.3%]; P = 0.022). In contrast, there were no significant relationships between imaging severity and absolute strength or S/A strength ratios on isometric testing.

CONCLUSION

Severity of supraspinatus pathology on MRI was associated with dynamic clinical function. These results validate the clinical correlation between MRI designations of supraspinatus pathology and function and suggest the need for future work to investigate utility of dynamic (versus isometric) rotator cuff physical examination maneuvers.

The Unhappy Shoulder: A Conceptual Review of the Psychosomatics of Shoulder Pain

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pain is a multifaceted disorder genuinely entangled with psychic and psychosomatic symptoms, which are typically involved in the processes of chronification. The impingement syndrome of the shoulder is no exception to this rule, but several studies have shown respective peculiarities among those with pain and impingement of the shoulder. Notably, chronic pain is a lateralized experience, and, similarly, its psychosomatic correlates may be attached to the hemispheres functionally.

AIM

The present review therefore gives an overview of the respective findings, with regard not only to psychopathology, but also to personality factors and psychologic trauma, since the latter are reportedly associated with chronic pain. Moreover, we acknowledge symmetry as a possible pathogenic factor.

METHODS

This narrative review followed the current standards for conducting narrative studies. Based on prior findings, our research strategy included the relevance of psychotraumatologic and symmetrical aspects, as well as comorbidity. We retrieved the relevant literature reporting on the impact of psychopathology as well as personality features on shoulder pain, as published up to January 2022 from the Medline database (1966-2022). Study selecton: We included numerous studies, and considered the contextual relevance of studies referring to the neuropsychosomatics of chronic pain.

RESULTS

Pain-specific fears, depression, and anxiety are important predictors of shoulder pain, and the latter is generally overrepresented in those with trauma and PTSD. Moreover, associations of shoulder pain with psychological variables are stronger as regards surgical therapies as compared to conservative ones. This may point to a specific and possibly trauma-related vulnerability for perioperative maladaptation. Additionally, functional hemispheric lateralization may explain some of those results given that limb pain is a naturally lateralized experience. Not least, psychosocial risk factors are shared between shoulder pain and its physical comorbidities (e.g., hypertension), and the incapacitated state of the shoulder is a massive threat to the function of the human body as a whole.

CONCLUSIONS

This review suggests the involvement of psychosomatic and psychotraumatologic factors in shoulder impingement-related chronic pain, but the inconclusiveness and heterogeneity of the literature in the field is possibly suggestive of other determinants such as laterality.

Severe Obesity Is Not Associated With Worse Functional Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in a severely obese population (body mass index [BMI] > 0 kg/m²) compared to a healthy weight population (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²).

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data examining the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in both severely obese patients and healthy weight patients. Primary outcome measures analyzed include the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS), range of motion, and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 89 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria: 52 healthy weight patients (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²) and 37 severely obese patients (BMI >40 kg/m²). Patient-reported pain and functional outcomes had significantly improved after surgery in both groups with regard to the visual analog score (VAS) scores, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder (ASES) scores (P < .0001). When directly comparing the outcomes in the healthy weight group to the severely obese group, the latter had significantly inferior outcomes in VAS scores (P = .0048), SANE scores (P = .0118), ASES scores (P = .0031), and postoperative internal rotation (P =.0132). At large, these outcomes did not have clinically significant differences. The severely obese group also had higher total numbers of comorbid conditions and longer operative times (P =.0041).

CONCLUSIONS

Severely obese patients and their associated comorbid conditions pose unique challenges in rotator cuff tear management, but they still achieve overall excellent outcomes after repair and noninferior clinical differences when compared to healthy weight patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Are psychosocial variables, sleep characteristics or central pain processing prognostic factors for outcome following rotator cuff repair? A protocol for a prospective longitudinal cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Prognosis following surgical rotator cuff repair (RCR) is often established through the assessment of non-modifiable biomedical factors such as tear size. This understates the complex nature of recovery following RCR. There is a need to identify modifiable psychosocial and sleep-related variables, and to find out whether changes in central pain processing influence prognosis after RCR. This will improve our knowledge on how to optimise recovery, using a holistic rehabilitation approach.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This longitudinal study will analyse 141 participants undergoing usual care for first time RCR. Data will be collected 1-21 days preoperatively (T1), then 11-14 weeks (T2) and 12-14 months (T3) postoperatively. We will use mixed-effects linear regression to assess relationships between potential prognostic factors and our primary and secondary outcome measures-the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index; the Constant-Murley Score; the Subjective Shoulder Value; Maximal Pain (Numeric Rating Scale); and Quality of Life (European Quality of Life, 5 dimensions, 5 levels). Potential prognostic factors include: four psychosocial variables; pain catastrophising, perceived stress, injury perceptions and patients' expectations for RCR; sleep; and four factors related to central pain processing (central sensitisation inventory, temporal summation, cold hyperalgesia and pressure pain threshold). Intercorrelations will be assessed to determine the strength of relationships between all potential prognostic indicators.Our aim is to explore whether modifiable psychosocial factors, sleep-related variables and altered central pain processing are associated with outcomes pre-RCR and post-RCR and to identify them as potential prognostic factors.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The results of the study will be disseminated at conferences such as the European Pain Congress. One or more manuscripts will be published in a peer-reviewed SCI-ranked journal. Findings will be reported in accordance with the STROBE statement and PROGRESS framework. Ethical approval is granted by the Ethical commission of Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, No: ID_2018-02089 TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04946149.

Effects of Preexisting Depression and Anxiety on Postoperative Outcomes following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Background

Rotator cuff repairs (RCRs) are one of the most commonly performed shoulder surgeries in the United States. Psychological health has been shown to influence postoperative outcomes in orthopedic procedures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between depression and anxiety (DA) and psychotropic medication and postoperative outcomes following RCR.

Methods

A single institution retrospective observational cohort study of 816 patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR from January 2014 to October 2020 was conducted. Univariate statistics were used to assess differences in demographics, operative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes; multivariate analysis was used to evaluate risk factors for postoperative complications.

Results

Patients with DA were more likely to have a higher first (3.60 vs. 3.00, P = .004) and last (1.23 vs. 0.96, P = .042) postoperative pain scores, lower first (18.67 vs. 21.85, P = .008) and last (61.87 vs. 64.71, P = .014) Upper Extremity Functional Score (UEFS), more likely to experience an emergency department visit postoperatively (9.1 vs. 5.0%, P = .028), have a symptomatic recurrent tear (8.2 vs. 3.3%, P = .003), and persistent pain (4.3 vs. 1.2%, P = .011). After controlling for age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, diabetes, smoking, coronary artery disease, asthma, hypertension, psychotropic medication and DA, having DA at the time of surgery was independently predictive of any complication (odds ratio, 2.033; P = .028) and persistent pain (odds ratio, 8.232; P ≤ .001). Patients with and without DA showed significant improvement in postoperative pain and UEFS from the first to the last measurement (P < .001).

Conclusion

DA is not a deterrent for RCR but targeted interventions may be needed to decrease the occurrence of complications.

Psychological risk factors for the occurrence of frozen shoulder after rotator cuff repair

INTRODUCTION

Frozen shoulder is a dreaded complication after rotator cuff repair.

HYPOTHESIS

There are psychological determinants for this complication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively included 77 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between May 2018 and April 2019. Along with a functional evaluation, we determined the Constant score, anxiety and depression levels based on the HADS, and kinesiophobia based on the Tampa Scale preoperatively and 6months after the surgery.

RESULTS

At the 6-month follow-up, 8 patients had been diagnosed with frozen shoulder (group A), 65 patients had satisfactory joint range of motion (group B) and 4 were lost to follow-up. In the frozen shoulder group, the preoperative anxiety rate was significantly higher than in group B (50% versus 17%, p=0.04). Furthermore, there were significantly more women (p=0.028) and more patients with an occupational disease in group A (75% versus 18%, p=0.027). At 6months postoperative, the Constant score was 55 in the group with a frozen shoulder versus 72 in group B (p=0.004). Neither depression nor kinesiophobia were risk factors for the development of frozen shoulder after rotator cuff repair.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative anxiety, the female sex and occupational disease are all risk factors for the occurrence of frozen shoulder after rotator cuff repair. Knowing these predisposing factors will help us better manage at-risk patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, prospective study.

Biceps tenodesis combined with rotator cuff repair increases functional status and elbow strength

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the elbow flexion and supination strengths and the functional outcomes of patients following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair combined with simultaneous biceps tenodesis.

METHODS

19 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and biceps tenodesis with at least 24 months of follow-up were included. Patients were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) for bicipital groove pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and constant scores (CS), biceps apex distance (BAD), elbow flexion, and supination strengths.

RESULTS

The VAS for biceps groove measurement averages in the postoperative 6th, 12th, and 24th months was lower in comparison to preoperative data and was considered to be statistically significant (p < .05). The constant score, an average of all postoperative measurements and scores, was found to be higher than preoperative values and was considered to be statistically significant (p < .01). There was a significant difference in the operated and non-operated forearm supination and elbow flexion muscle strength measurements at the postoperative 3- and 6-month follow-ups (p < .01).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis into the anchors of the lateral row in combination with rotator cuff repair provides an increase in the strength of elbow flexion and forearm supination, while decreasing pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Shoulder Surgery as an Effective Treatment for Shoulder-Related Sleep Disturbance: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the current literature in an effort to investigate sleep quality and disturbances and the association with clinical outcomes of patients undergoing shoulder surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All English-language literature reporting clinical outcomes and sleep quality and disturbance after shoulder surgery was reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Outcomes assessed included patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and sleep quality. Specific PROs included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES). Study methodology was assessed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score. Descriptive statistics are presented.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies (11 level IV, 2 level III, 3 level II) with a total of 2748 shoulders were included (age, 12-91 years; follow-up, 0.25-132 months). In total, 2198 shoulders underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR), 131 shoulders underwent arthroscopic capsular release, 372 shoulders underwent total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), 18 shoulders underwent comprehensive arthroscopic management, and 29 shoulders underwent sternoclavicular joint procedures. All shoulder surgeries improved self-reported sleep and PROs from before to after surgery. In RCR patients, PSQI scores were significantly associated with VAS scores, SST scores (r = 0.453, r = -0.490, P < .05, respectively), but not significantly associated with UCLA Shoulder rating scale or the ASES scores (r = 0.04, r = 0.001, P > .05, respectively). In TSA patients, PSQI scores were significantly associated with ASES scores (r = -0.08, P < .05). All 4 RCR studies and 1 TSA study using PSQI found significant improvements in mean PSQI scores within 6 to 24 months (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical intervention for rotator cuff tear and glenohumeral osteoarthritis significantly improves self-reported sleep in patients with shoulder pain. However, there remains a dearth of available studies assessing the effects of surgical intervention for adhesive capsulitis, sternoclavicular joint instability, and sternoclavicular osteoarthritis on sleep. Future studies should use sleep-specific PROs and quantitative measures of sleep to further elucidate the relationship between sleep and the effect of shoulder surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II-IV studies.

Patients Obtain Meaningful Clinical Benefit After Hip Arthroscopy Despite Preoperative Psychological Distress: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Mid-Term Outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of baseline psychological distress on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement at a minimum of 5 years.

METHODS

Demographic and intraoperative data were prospectively collected from patients who underwent primary arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears after failure of conservative management between June 2012 and December 2014. Included patients had preoperative and minimum 5-year postoperative PROs and visual analog scale scores for pain and satisfaction. The 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was used to stratify patients into 2 cohorts: Patients with an average or above-average score (SF-12 MCS score ≥ 50) were considered psychologically non-distressed, whereas those who scored below average (SF-12 MCS score < 50) were considered to have psychological distress. Distressed patients were propensity matched by age, sex, and body mass index to an equal number of non-distressed patients.

RESULTS

Of the 153 hips that met the inclusion criteria, 117 (76.5%) had minimum 5-year follow-up. Eighty-two hips were included in the final analysis after propensity matching, with 41 in both the distressed and non-distressed cohorts. Preoperatively, patients in the distressed cohort reported inferior scores for all PROs. There was a significant difference in the SF-12 MCS score between groups at 2 years, but similar scores were observed for all other PROs. At minimum 5-year follow-up, there were no differences between groups for any PRO. There were no differences in the rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference for all PROs or in achieving the patient acceptable symptomatic state for the modified Harris Hip Score.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with baseline psychological distress may have a lower functional status at the time of presentation but still gain meaningful clinical benefit and pain improvement from arthroscopic hip surgery, with mid-term outcomes comparable to those obtained by patients without preoperative psychological distress.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Low socioeconomic status worsens access to care and outcomes for rotator cuff repair: a scoping review

Background

Poor socioeconomic status (SES) is consistently associated with poor quality of health care, particularly in the field of orthopedics. Expanding insurance coverage has created a larger patient population by specifically making health care more accessible, translating to greater demand for care in the low-SES population. The purpose of this article is to provide a scoping review of literature observing access and outcomes of rotator cuff repair surgery among low-SES populations.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of articles using PubMed, Embase, and EBSCO (May 2021) from 2010 onward. Peer-reviewed articles that recorded at least one SES measure specific to patients who underwent rotator cuff repair from the United States were included. SES measures were methodically defined as income, occupation, employment, education, and race. All data that aligned with these SES measures were extracted.

Results

Of the 1009 titles reviewed, 109 studies were screened by abstract, 23 were reviewed in full, and 7 studies met criteria for inclusion. Of the 5 studies investigating access, all 5 found disparities among postoperative physical therapy, orthopedic consult, and surgery, using Medicaid status as a proxy for income in addition to other income measures. Of the 3 studies analyzing outcomes, 2 found that low-SES patients had worse pain and function, again based on Medicaid status and other income measures. Education did not have a significant impact on outcomes, as per the 1 study that included it. No studies included measures of occupation or employment.

Conclusion

Patients of low SES face reduced access to cuff repair care and worse associated outcomes, despite federal and state government efforts to reduce health care disparity through health care reform. The small nature of this review reflects how measures of SES are often not examined in rotator cuff repair studies.

Patients With Preoperative Clinical Depression Symptomology Experience Significant Improvements in Postoperative Pain, Function, and Depressive Symptoms Following Rotator Cuff Repair

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of clinical depression on outcomes after rotator cuff repair (RCR), as measured by Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) health domains.

METHODS

RCR patients were given PROMIS CAT assessments for physical function (PROMIS UE), pain interference (PROMIS PI), and depression (PROMIS D) during preoperative and postoperative clinic visits. PROMIS D scores ≥55 correlate with mild clinical depression; thus patients with PROMIS D scores ≥ 55 were placed in the clinical depression (CD) group, whereas patients with scores <55 were placed in the "no clinical depression" (NCD) group. Categorical variables were compared at preoperative and postoperative (6 months and ≥1 year) timepoints using χ² tests. Continuous variables were compared using Student's t-tests.

RESULTS

Of the 340 RCR patients included in this study, 65 (19.1%) were found to have mild clinical depression preoperatively, with that number being reduced to 23 (6.8%) at 6 months and 19 (5.6%) at ≥1 year after surgery. Compared with preoperative PROMIS scores, CD patients had significant postoperative improvements at 6 months and ≥1 year in mean PROMIS UE (26.7 vs 35.5 vs 38.9; P < .001) and PROMIS PI (67.6 vs 56.7 vs 56.4; P < .001). NCD patients had similar postoperative improvements at 6 months and ≥1 year in mean PROMIS UE (30.8 vs 38.6 vs 46.9; P < .001) and PROMIS PI (61.7 vs 53.0 vs 47.6; P < .001). The improvement in PROMIS scores was similar for the CD and NCD groups in both PROMIS UE (12.2 vs 16.1, respectively) and PROMIS PI (-11.2 vs -14.1, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Despite starting with worse PROMIS UE and PROMIS PI scores, patients undergoing RCR with symptoms of CD experienced significant improvement in function, pain, and depressive symptoms. Preoperative depression should not be a contraindication to arthroscopic RCR in patients who are otherwise appropriate operative candidates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative trial.

Prior mood disorder diagnoses do not relate to current mood disorder symptoms or patient-reported disease severity in rotator cuff patients

BACKGROUND

Surgery for rotator cuff syndrome does not always produce symptom improvement. Biological factors may explain some symptoms, but mood disorder symptoms may also contribute. The purpose of this study is to examine the interaction between disease severity, prevalence of mood disorder diagnoses, and current mood disorder symptoms in preoperative rotator cuff patients.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of patients aged 35-75 years with unilateral rotator cuff disease awaiting surgery participated. Demographics, psychiatric history, the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale, and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index were collected. Descriptive and univariate statistical testing was performed.

RESULTS

Of 140 participants (75M:65W) aged 55 ± 8 years, 34 reported a prior diagnosis of a mood disorder. There was a moderate positive relationship between disease severity and current depression and anxiety scores. Women were more likely to carry a diagnosis of a mood disorder, but there were no differences in current symptom levels between genders. No differences were found in patient-reported outcome measure scores between patients with and without a mood disorder diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

Current mood disorder symptoms were associated with greater disease severity, whereas the presence of a past mood disorder diagnosis was not. Awareness of this relationship may reduce bias about past mood disorder diagnoses during decision-making.

The outcome of hydrodilation in frozen shoulder patients and the relationship with kinesiophobia, depression, and anxiety

Purpose

The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the effect of hydrodilatation in frozen shoulder patients on objective indices of shoulder functionality and subjective outcomes of pain, mobility, kinesiophobia, depression, and anxiety, and (2) progress knowledge about the reciprocal temporal relationship between psychological parameters at baseline and objective and subjective outcomes at 3-month follow-up.

Methods

We evaluated the clinical and psychological status of 72 patients with a frozen shoulder before and after hydrodilatation, using the Constant Murley score, the Visual Analogue score, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Shoulder Pain And Disability Index.

Results

We noted a significant improvement in functionality, pain and disability (p < .001). Depression and anxiety improved significantly (p < .001) between baseline and 3-month follow-up. Prospective analyses demonstrated that psychological factors are more likely to predict outcomes of hydrodilatation than vice versa.

Conclusion

Hydrodilatation followed by physiotherapy is an excellent way to treat patients with recalcitrant frozen shoulder, resulting in a continuous improvement of ROM and pain. Physiotherapists and physicians should be aware that psychological factors might have an impact on the treatment outcome.

The influence of psychosocial factors on patient-reported outcome measures in rotator cuff tears pre- and post-surgery: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Recent research shows that major levels of psychological distress correlate with higher pain and reduced function in patients with shoulder and rotator cuff pathology. A systematic review updating a review published in 2016 was conducted to determine the degree of consistency and the strength of association between psychosocial factors and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) in patients with rotator cuff repair (RCR) with new high-quality literature.

METHODS

The bibliographic searches were conducted from May to June 2020 within the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The articles included should discuss the association between psychosocial factors and outcomes in patients with documented or diagnosed rotator cuff tears through clinical and/or radiological examination. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool was used to assess the methodological quality.

RESULTS

Fifteen articles were included. Negative psychosocial factors were found consistently associated with worse function and disability in the pre- and post-operative period. In particular, psychosocial factors regarding emotional or mental health were associated with a weak to a substantial degree with preoperative and postoperative function/disability and pain intensity in patients undergoing RCR.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing repair of the rotator cuff tear, there was a correlation between poor psychological function before surgery and worsening post-surgical outcomes, such as persistence of postoperative pain intensity and worse levels of function/disability.

Do psychological factors affect outcomes in musculoskeletal shoulder disorders? A systematic review

Background

Psychological factors may impact recovery in patients undergoing treatment for shoulder complaints. The aim of this review is to systematically analyse the evidence for the effect of modifiable psychological factors (MPF) on outcome, for patients with musculoskeletal shoulder disorders undergoing conservative or surgical treatment. MPF refers to factors that may change with intervention.

Methods

This is a systematic literature review. Five databases searched (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase and PsycInfo), for longitudinal studies investigating the influence of MPF on prognosis of patients with shoulder disorders, all diagnoses, undergoing clinical interventions (conservative or surgical). Level of evidence was determined using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) methodology. Moderate and high quality evidence was included. We extracted all MPF, categorized constructs into the following domains: beliefs (self-efficacy, expectation of recovery), coping (catastrophizing, avoidant coping), and affect (depression, anxiety). We evaluated constructs for its predictive value of at least one outcome. Outcomes were informed by this review. Evidence was classified into three categories: evidence for, inconclusive evidence, and evidence against.

Results

Of 1170 references, 40 distinct publications based on 35 datasets were included (intervention type: 20 surgical; 20 conservative). Overall, 22 studies (20 cohort studies and 2 RCTs) were classified as high quality and 18 studies (16 cohort studies, 2 RCTs) were classified as moderate quality. Outcomes reported included pain, disability/function, perceived recovery, physical and mental health, and work status. Based on the review, of the psychological constructs explored, these data would suggest that expectation of recovery, catastrophizing, avoidant coping, depression, and anxiety may predict outcome for patients managed surgically. In patients undergoing conservative intervention the evidence was either against (catastrophizing, depression, anxiety) or inconclusive (self-efficacy, expectation of recovery, avoidant coping) for the predictive value of psychological factors on outcome.

Conclusions

Five constructs were predictive of outcome for surgically managed patients. This suggests that implementing the biopsychosocial approach (i.e., preoperative screening, intervention by a trained clinician) may be advantageous for patients recommended for shoulder surgery,,. The same is not indicated for conservatively managed patients as no conclusive association of MPF with outcomes was noted. The importance of other MPF on outcome requires further investigation.

The influence of central pain modulation on postoperative outcomes after shoulder surgery: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to systematically review whether the altered central pain modulation has a significant influence on post-surgical outcomes in patients undergoing shoulder surgery due to musculoskeletal disorders.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, PEDro, and EMBASE was conducted without time restriction, including observational prognostic studies. Quality in Prognostic Studies Tool was adopted for critical appraisal, and a qualitative synthesis was undertaken. Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment; any disagreement was resolved by a third author. A review protocol is published in the PROSPERO registry (CRD42019122303). The data regarding the potential predictors and outcome measures were obtained from the studies.

RESULTS

11 prospective cohort studies were appraised. Overall, 952 patients were included with a sample size that ranged from 20 to 314. Studies included both arthroscopy and open surgery and presented low to moderate ROB. The prognostic factors investigated were depression, psychological distress, anxiety, catastrophizing, fear avoidance beliefs, self-efficacy and quantitative sensory testing. Only avoidance behaviors and self-efficacy were significantly related to post-surgical pain and function at 12 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Fear avoidance beliefs and inadequate coping strategies seem to be the most correlated factors with the worst pain and function scores. Surgeons and physical therapists should look for patients with signs of altered central pain modulation before surgery as they might be at risk of unfavorable outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, Therapeutic Study.