Efficacy of arthroscopic technique for rotator cuff tear

Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is a common cause of shoulder pain and functional impairment, with its incidence increasing annually due to population aging and rising sports injuries. Arthroscopic technique, due to its advantages of being minimally invasive and allowing for a faster recovery, have become the primary method for treating RCT. However, the rate of re-tearing after surgery remains relatively high, which affects the long-term treatment results of patients. Identifying risk factors that influence surgical outcomes is significant for optimizing treatment plans. It aimed to systematically analyze the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic technique for RCT and explore the key factors influencing functional recovery. 206 patients with RCT who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff (RC) repair and release were enrolled as subjects. Clinical data (gender, age, BMI, medical history, size of RCT, degree of fatty infiltration around the RC, whether rehabilitation was conducted after surgery, etc.) were collected and recorded. The risk factor analysis was carried out. Patients’ postoperative shoulder score and quality of life (QoL) score were visibly higher than preoperative scores; advanced age, larger RCT, and higher degrees of fatty infiltration around the RC were identified as independent risk factors for re-tear ( P < 0.05). Arthroscopic technique is effective in improving the function and QoL of individuals with RCT. Advanced age, larger RCT, lack of postoperative rehabilitation training, and severe fatty infiltration increase the risk of re-tear.