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

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

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.

Related Resources & Content

1. Argen Omurzakov, BA, et al., Arthroscopy, 2023 -- Effect of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Outcomes and Complications Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Matched-Cohort Analysis
2. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy — Underrecognized Role of Preoperative Medial Knee Instability in the Success of Revision ACL Reconstruction
3. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy — Arthroscopic Suspension Fixation of Iliac Bone Grafts: A Promising Approach for Managing Unstable Bony Bankart Lesions in Patients with Joint Laxity
4. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy — Long-term Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Arthroscopic Iliac Crest Bone Grafting for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Minimum Five-Year Follow-Up
5. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy — Influence of Age, Interval Between Injury and Surgery, and Quadriceps Strength on Revision Surgery Risk Following Primary ACL Reconstruction
6. Most patients can continue GLP-1 anti-obesity drugs before surgery - American Gastroenterological Association
7. AAOS Rotator Cuff Injuries CPG (2025)
8. Effect of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Outcomes and Complications Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Matched-Cohort Analysis - PMC