Episode notes
In this episode of Ortho Appraised, Dr Rajabifard appraises "Effect of prior rotator cuff repair technique and timing on clinical outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty" published in The Bone & Joint Journal. The clinical question: when a shoulder eventually needs a reverse shoulder replacement, does it matter whether the earlier rotator cuff repair was done open or arthroscopically, and how long ago? The findings are useful for counselling but are unlikely to change surgical decisions.
📄 Citation: Holt KE, Hao KA, Bindi VE, et al. Effect of prior rotator cuff repair technique and timing on clinical outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Bone Joint J. 2026;108-B(7):928–935. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.108B7.BJJ-2025-1393.R1
Key Takeaways:
* Retrospective single-centre cohort of 104 shoulders (Level III) — outcomes prospectively collected, exposure determined by chart review.
* Prior arthroscopic repair was associated with a higher post-operative ASES score (+13.1) and range of motion than prior open repair.
* The effect sits at or below the minimal clinically important difference, with a wide confidence interval — so clinical importance is uncertain.
* Best used for prognostic counselling rather than to change how or when a cuff is repaired, or the timing of conversion to reverse replacement.
* Confounded by surgical era and tear severity — arthroscopic repairs were, on average, more recent.
🔗 Full paper: https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.108B7.BJJ-2025-1393.R1
Keywords: reverse shoulder arthroplasty, prior rotator cuff repair, ASES outcomes, shoulder replacement, orthopaedic critical appraisal.
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