Timing From Diagnostic Imaging to Rotator Cuff Repair Does Not Significantly Impact Patient-Reported and Clinical Outcomes

BackgroundThe decision to pursue rotator cuff repair (RCR) for symptomatic rotator cuff tears is multifactorial.While prior studies have evaluated predictors of operative versus nonoperative success, the impact of timing from diagnostic imaging to surgery on postoperative outcomes remains unclear.This study aimed to determine whether time from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound to RCR affects clinical and patientreported outcomes. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients undergoing RCR.Patients were stratified into two cohorts based on time from imaging to surgery: <3 months and ≥3 months.Demographics, preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores, and active and passive range of motion were assessed.A subgroup analysis compared traumatic and nontraumatic tears.Complication rates were evaluated between groups. ResultsA total of 487 patients were included (342 <3 months; 145 ≥3 months).At one-year follow-up, VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the <3-month cohort (2.7 ± 2.7 vs. 3.3 ± 3.3; p = 0.05); however, this did not meet the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 1.4.No significant differences were found in abduction (p = 0.44), forward flexion (p = 0.57), or external rotation (p = 0.35).Overall complication rates were similar (17.3% vs. 20%; p = 0.43), as were re-tear (9.4% vs. 11.7%;p = 0.43), adhesive capsulitis (5.6% vs. 3.5%; p = 0.33), and prolonged postoperative pain (1.8% vs. 4.1%; p = 0.12).No differences were observed between traumatic and nontraumatic tears. ConclusionRCR within three months of imaging is associated with statistically lower one-year pain scores but no clinically meaningful differences in outcomes or complications.