Two-Year Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Recreational Athletes Older Than 70 Years

Authors:

Sanjeev Bhatia, Joshua A Greenspoon, Marilee P Horan, Ryan J Warth, Peter J Millett

Abstract:

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder dysfunction, especially in patients older than 70 years of age. The prevalence of full-thickness rotator cuff tears increases with age, with a report indicating that they may occur in up to 22% of all patients over 65 years of age. Elderly individuals have shown an increasing desire to remain physically active. These expectations often warrant surgical treatment of rota- tor cuff tears in this population after failure of nonoperative management. However, controversy exists regarding surgical indications as well as the optimal operative technique.

Older individuals have a number of factors that work against obtaining good results after surgery. For example, patients older than 60 years are 3 times more likely to experience massive rotator cuff tears compared with younger patients. Bone quality also decreases with age and may complicate suture anchor fixation. Lamellar dissection and fatty infiltration are more common in elderly individuals. Healing may be impaired by poor blood supply, as histologic examination of rotator cuff tendon tissue has shown decreased vascularity in older patients. Furthermore, comorbid conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and renal disease are more prevalent in older individuals. All of the aforementioned factors can make rotator cuff repair more challenging and clinical out- comes less predictable.

Rotator cuff repair has shown superior results when compared with debridement alone in patients over 70 years old. Historically, favorable clinical outcomes have been reported for open and mini-open rotator cuff repairs and more recently for arthroscopic repairs in the general elderly population. This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes in recreational athletes 70 years of age or older.

For the complete study: Two-Year Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Recreational Athletes Older Than 70 Years

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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