The effect of rotator cuff repair on early overhead shoulder function: a study in 1600 consecutive rotator cuff repairs

To our knowledge, this is the largest study to evaluate the effect of rotator cuff repair integrity on shoulder function. Patients who had an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair reported significant improvements in overhead pain levels irrespective of the repair integrity at 6 months. Repair integrity influenced supraspinatus and external rotation power, where patients with intact repairs were stronger than those with a retear.