Longitudinal Change in Depression Severity and Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Longitudinal Change in Depression Severity and Its Association With Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Cohort Study

This prospective cohort study evaluated how depressive symptom severity changes during the first 2 years after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and whether changes in depressive symptoms are associated with improvements in shoulder pain and function. Adults who underwent arthroscopic suture-bridge repair for a symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tear were classified by preoperative Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score as having depressive symptoms (HDRS ≥8) or not (HDRS ≤7). Depressive symptom severity (HDRS), shoulder pain (visual analog scale), and shoulder function (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and Constant score) were assessed before surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Integrity of the repaired tendon was evaluated with ultrasonography at 24 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary arthroscopic suture-bridge repair for a symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tear identified on preoperative MRI
• Assessment of depressive symptom severity with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale within 2 weeks before surgery
• Willingness to complete scheduled follow-up assessments, including HDRS and clinical scores at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months and shoulder ultrasonography at 24 months after surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Partial-thickness rotator cuff tear or isolated subscapularis tear
• Revision rotator cuff surgery
• Shoulder instability
• Glenohumeral osteoarthritis
• Neurologic or systemic disease affecting the shoulder joint
• History of acute trauma or infection
• Incomplete medical records