Does obesity affect early outcome of rotator cuff repair?
BACKGROUND
Obesity is linked to major health conditions and poor surgical outcomes. The impact of obesity on self-perceived outcome after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is unclear.


METHODS
We studied 154 patients who underwent RCR. Obesity was considered a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Simple Shoulder Test, and visual analog scales for pain, function, and quality of life. Obese and control patients were compared for baseline demographics, surgical findings, and postoperative outcomes.


RESULTS
Our overall population had a mean BMI of 28.4 (95% confidence interval, 27.7-29.1). There were 57 obese patients (BMI >30) and 97 nonobese patients with 1- or 2-tendon rotator cuff tears. Mean follow-up was 54.8 weeks (range, 52.0-88.7 weeks). Preoperative DASH score was 45.2 for obese patients and 43.4 for control patients (P = .524). The mean improvement in DASH score was 30.7 for obese patients and 26.1 for nonobese patients (P = .152). There were no significant differences in the Simple Shoulder Test and visual analog scale scores. Worse follow-up DASH scores in both groups were associated with worker's compensation status (P = .003) and total comorbidities (P < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BMI (continuous) and obesity (dichotomous) were not significantly related to outcome after we controlled for confounding variables.


CONCLUSIONS
Although obesity is considered a risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes after some surgical procedures, in our experience, obesity does not have an independent, significant effect on self-reported early outcomes after RCR.
Namdari
Surena
S
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Baldwin
Keith
K
Glaser
David
D
Green
Andrew
A
D015992:Body Mass Index; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome