Do Revisions in Rotator Cuff Repair Decline With GLP-1 Use?

Preoperative use was associated with fewer revisions and no increase in short-term complications among patients with obesity, although benefits appeared concentrated in select subgroups.

By
Andrea Surnit
June 24, 2026
4 min

MDSpire News

Overview

Preoperative use of GLP-1 receptor agonists may lower revision rates in patients with obesity undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without increasing short-term complications.

Background

This study explores the impact of preoperative medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, on surgical outcomes in patients with obesity undergoing rotator cuff repairs.

Data Highlights

Group	1-Year Revision Rate	2-Year Revision Rate	1-Year Retear Rate	2-Year Retear Rate
GLP-1 Agonists	2%	4%	19%	20%
Matched Controls	7%	8%	31%	34%

Key Findings

Lower revision rates were observed in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists for left-sided repairs (2% at 1 year, 4% at 2 years) compared to controls (7% at 1 year, 8% at 2 years).
Female patients undergoing left-sided repairs showed a reduction in retear rates (19% vs. 31% at 1 year; 20% vs. 34% at 2 years).
No significant differences in revision rates were noted for right-sided repairs.
In patients with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonist use did not significantly affect retear or revision rates.
Short-term safety outcomes, including rates of acute kidney injury and pneumonia, were similar between groups.
Emergency department utilization did not differ significantly between patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists and matched controls.

Clinical Implications

The study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists did not increase short-term complications among patients with obesity undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Conclusion

Preoperative GLP-1 receptor agonist use may be associated with lower revision and retear rates in select patient populations undergoing rotator cuff repair.