A study published in the April issue of The American Journal of Sports Medicine examines the relationship between rotator cuff tear area and postoperative pain in patients who undergo arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. 

The researchers reviewed information on 1,624 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and found that intraoperative rotator cuff tear areas did not correlate with pain scores preoperatively or at 1 week following surgery. However, they noted that a smaller tear area was associated with more frequent and severe pain during overhead activities, at rest, and during sleep, as well as a poorer perceived overall shoulder condition at 6-week, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. Overall, patients who were younger, had partial-thickness tears, and had occupational injuries experienced more pain postoperatively. The researchers noted that the retear rate was 7 percent in tears <2 cm2, but reached 44 percent in tears >8 cm2. Learn more...