Full-thickness arthroscopic rotator cuff repair demonstrates low repair failure rates and high return to sport rates in patients aged 30 years and under at 9-year follow-up: A single-center case series

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term clinical complications, outcomes, and return to sport (RTS) rates in patients aged 30 or younger with a primary full-thickness arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).

Methods: All patients who underwent a primary full-thickness ARCR at age 30 years or younger from 2003 to 2021 with a minimum of a 2-year follow-up were included. Complications, repeat surgeries, and return to sport rates were collected.

Results: 32 patients underwent primary full-thickness rotator cuff repair with a mean follow-up of 9.3[2.7-17.9] years. 5(15.6%) patients had postoperative shoulder stiffness, and persistent postoperative shoulder pain was reported in 4(12.5%) patients. There were 3(9.4%) reported repair failures, with complete rotator cuff re-tears reported in 2(6.3%) shoulders and partial rotator cuff re-tear in 1(3.1%) shoulder. There were 4(12.5%) reoperations at an average of 8.7[0.65-22.7] months from primary rotator cuff repair and 2(6.3%) revision rotator cuff repairs. There was a 78.6% RTS rate at an average of 6.5[4-12] months postoperatively, with 8(72.7%) athletes returning to the sport at the same level they initially participated in pre-surgery.

Conclusion: Patients aged 30 and under who underwent full-thickness ARCR experienced promising clinical outcomes at an average 9-year follow-up.

Study design: Retrospective Case Series; Level of Evidence, 4.