Comparative analysis of functional outcomes in arthroscopic repair for traumatic and non-traumatic rotator cuff injuries.

Background: The impact of the etiology of rotator cuff injury (RCI) on outcomes after rotator cuff repair remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of patients with RCIs of different etiologies and identify the risk factors affecting prognosis.

Methods: This study included 73 patients with RCI who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The patients were categorized into either a traumatic group or a non-traumatic group based on their history of trauma. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included shoulder range of motion, muscle strength, and physical examination findings specific to the shoulder for both groups. Clinical differences between arthroscopic repair of traumatic and non-traumatic RCIs were evaluated using univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis determined independent risk factors for rotator cuff repair prognosis.

Results: Among the 73 patients, 31 were in the traumatic group and 42 in the non-traumatic group, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months and a mean follow-up of 13.8 months. The duration of the disease was significantly longer in the non-traumatic group compared with the traumatic group (P < 0.001). The mean tear area was more significant in the traumatic group than in the non-traumatic group (P = 0.003), and the preoperative pain level and functional scores were better in the non-traumatic group compared with the traumatic group. Postoperatively, there were no differences between the two groups regarding scores, joint mobility, strength, and complications. At 12 months postoperatively, multivariate regression analysis indicated that full-layer tear (OR = 5.106, 95% CI: 1.137-22.927, P = 0.033), fat infiltration (OR = 6.020, 95% CI: 1.113-32.554, P = 0.037), and tear area (OR = 6.038, 95% CI: 2.122-17.177, P < 0.001) significantly affected the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score.

Conclusion: Compared with non-traumatic RCI, traumatic RCI presents with more pronounced pain and impaired joint function preoperatively yet demonstrates comparable postoperative clinical outcomes. Full-layer tears, fat infiltration, and large tear areas are unfavorable factors affecting rotator cuff repair, and postoperative rehabilitation management of these patients should be emphasized.