Worse postoperative outcomes and higher reoperation in smokers compared to nonsmokers for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine if smokers at the time of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair met the minimally clinical important difference and substantial clinical benefit for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity, Depression, and Pain Interference scores in comparison to nonsmoking patients in a retrospective review.

METHODS

Clinical outcomes and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scores were compared between a cohort of nonsmokers and current or former smokers (smokers). Further sub-analysis compared a cohort of nonsmokers propensity-matched 1:1 to a cohort of current/former smokers via age, body mass index, and tear size.

RESULTS

A total of 182 patients, 80 smokers and 102 nonsmokers, were included. Smokers had statistically different-sized tears with more rated massive (= 0.02) and more reoperations (= 0.02). Smokers met substantial clinical benefit thresholds at a lower rate than nonsmokers for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity (= 0.03). In the sub-analysis, 74 smokers were matched to 74 nonsmokers. Smokers had a lower change in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity (= 0.007) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference (= 0.03) postoperatively. Fewer smokers met minimally clinical important difference for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity postoperatively (= 0.003) and more had reoperations (= 0.02).

DISCUSSION

Overall, smokers demonstrated smaller improvements in function, and pain, and were less likely to meet minimally clinical important differences and substantial clinical benefits for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity at 6 months follow-up when compared to nonsmokers after rotator cuff repair.