Rotator cuff injuries Repair in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes

Background: Rotator cuff injuries, while more common in adults, are increasingly being recognized in pediatric and adolescent athletes, particularly those involved in overhead sports. These injuries can impact an athlete's performance and long-term health if not properly diagnosed and treated. Despite the rarity of rotator cuff tears in young populations, the consequences of undiagnosed injuries can lead to chronic pain and functional impairment. Previous studies have primarily focused on adult populations, resulting in a gap in knowledge regarding the effectiveness of surgical interventions in teenagers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of rotator cuff repair in pediatric and adolescent athletes, providing insights into the level of recovery and return to sport. Methods: This retrospective case series included adolescent athletes under ۱۸ years old who underwent rotator cuff repair between ۲۰۰۶ and ۲۰۱۴. A total of ۳۲ patients (۲۸ males and ۴ females) with a mean age of ۱۶.۱ years were included. The study assessed demographic information, mechanism of injury, type of repair performed (single-row versus double-row), and postoperative outcomes through follow-up questionnaires evaluating pain levels, functional scores, and return to sport. Primary outcome measures included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Results: Results indicated that ۲۹ out of ۳۲ patients (۹۱%) experienced a traumatic event leading to their rotator cuff injury, with the supraspinatus tendon being the most commonly injured (۶۶% of cases). At an average follow-up of ۶.۲ years post-surgery, significant improvements were observed, with an average ASES score of ۹۳ (range ۱۰۰-۶۵), indicating excellent functional outcomes. The average WORC score was ۸۹%, reflecting a high level of satisfaction, and the average pain score was just ۰.۳ out of ۱۰. Notably, ۹۳% of patients successfully returned to their pre-injury level of sports participation, although among overhead athletes, only ۵۷% could maintain their primary playing position without changes. Conclusion: Surgical repair of rotator cuff tears in pediatric and adolescent athletes demonstrates favorable mid-term outcomes, with a high rate of functional improvement and low postoperative pain levels. While most athletes successfully return to their previous level of play, those involved in overhead sports may face challenges in resuming their original positions. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in managing rotator cuff injuries in this demographic.

کلیدواژه ها:

Rotator Cuff ، Pediatric Athletes ، Adolescent Athletes ، Surgical Repair ، Sports Medicine