Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Is There a Difference Between the Recreational and the Competitive Athlete?

Authors:

Burak Altintas, Nicole Anderson, Grant J Dornan, Robert E Boykin, Catherine Logan, Peter J Millett

Abstract:

Rotator cuff tears are common and can lead to pain and dysfunction. The prevalence of rotator cuff tears in the general population is reported to be 9.7% among patients 20 years old and 62% among patients 80 years, demonstrating a profound increase with age. Among competitive collegiate American football players invited to the National Football League Combine, 12% have rotator cuff injuries. Overhead athletes are especially at risk of injury because the repetitive physiological demands put on the shoulder increase microtrauma, while contact and collision athletes have the added risk of acute traumatic tears. Chronic degenerative pathology is the most common pathomechanism in the elderly population. While low-demand older patients with chronic attritional tears may be more suited to nonoperative treatment, younger active patients with acute traumatic tears may be better treated with surgical rotator cuff repair (RCR).

The ultimate goal of surgical treatment for athletes is a symptom-free return to sport (RTS) at the same preinjury level of competition. Arthroscopic approaches have become increasingly popular over open approaches, owing to the potential advantages of less soft tissue trauma, decreased scar tissue and adhesions, and increased accessibility to treat concomitant injuries simultaneously. This less invasive operation also potentially offers a quicker recovery time as compared with open procedures, which is advantageous for an athlete’s RTS. Given the increasing use of arthroscopic RCR, this review focuses on studies utilizing arthroscopic approaches to provide a detailed analysis of this technique. While some studies focused on the outcomes of RCR among athletes, none analyzed the differences between recreational and competitive athletes after only arthroscopic repair. In this systematic and meta-analysis, we aim to determine the rate RTS after arthroscopic RCR between recreational and competitive athletes. We hypothesize that competitive athletes will have a lower rate of RTS than recreational athletes, given the increased physiological demands of their sports and the higher skill sets needed to return to a competitive level and despite the significant financial incentive and high level of prestige of continuing at the same level.

For the complete study: Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!

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Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Is There a Difference Between the Recreational and the Competitive Athlete?

Authors:

Abstract:

About the Author: Peter Millett, MD