Pulmonary embolism following rotator cuff repair

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous studies have provided data on the incidence of pulmonary embolism following shoulder arthroplasty and repair of fractures of the proximal humerus. However; there is no information on the risk of pulmonary embolism following the surgical management of rotator cuff tears. Methods: We performed a review of 1176 patients who underwent operative procedures for rotator cuff tears between January 1 st ; 2001 and December 31 st ; 2005 to identify all patients who developed a symptomatic pulmonary embolism postoperatively. Results: Three patients developed pulmonary embolisms that were diagnosed with computed tomography angiography. The overall incidence was calculated to be 0.26. None of the patients died as a result of the pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: The data from this review indicates that the risk of pulmonary embolism following surgery for rotator cuff repair is low; but not nonexistent. The most common presenting symptoms of pulmonary embolism were chest pain; shortness of breath; and hypoxia. This study should raise surgeons' awareness about this possible complication following rotator cuff repair surgery