Complications after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the complication rate of a consecutive series of patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.


METHODS
From January 2003 to June 2003, all patients undergoing primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were identified. A total of 263 patients were identified. Medical records were reviewed to identify complications in the study patients.


RESULTS
A total of 28 patients (10.6%) sustained a complication. Complications included shoulder stiffness, failure of healing, infection, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, deep venous thrombosis, and death.


CONCLUSIONS
The most common complication was recognized as persistent stiffness that usually responded to extensive physical therapy. Complications after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are similar to results published for open rotator cuff repair.


METHODS
Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Brislin
Kenneth J
KJ
Orthopaedic Associates of Allentown, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18103, USA. kjbrislin@hotmail.com
Field
Larry D
LD
Savoie
Felix H
FH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries