Pulmonary embolism following rotator cuff repair

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.