Long-term outcomes after infected mini-open rotator cuff repair: results of a 10-year review

BACKGROUND: Infection after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is uncommon. There are few reports in the literature regarding the management and long-term results of patients in whom deep infection of the shoulder develops after RCR. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 764 patients after mini-open RCR in which 9 patients had postoperative infection. The demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, risk factors, bacteriologic findings, and results of surgical management were analyzed. All patients underwent clinical and radiologic assessment at long-term follow-up of approximately 10 years after infection. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 56.2 years. The mean time to presentation for infection after RCR was 16 days. All patients had pain on presentation, and 6 patients had persistent discharge from their wounds with erythema. The most common organism was Staphylococcus aureus. At final follow-up at a mean of 11.62 years after surgery, the mean Simple Shoulder Test score was 10.5 and the mean Constant score was 70. The rotator cuff was intact in 5 of 7 patients. CONCLUSION: With appropriate treatment, eradication of infection can be achieved, and in appropriate cases, anchors can be retained. Reasonable long-term functional outcome scores can be achieved.