Complications after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

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. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.