Osteoporosis in the setting of rotator cuff repair: A narrative review

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are frequently found in patients undergoing shoulder surgery, especially rotator cuff repair, and it is anticipated that this link will become more common as more elderly people have operations on their shoulders. For orthopedic surgical candidates who are at high risk, preoperative screening may identify those who might benefit from early intervention and prevent any associated adverse events. The major complications include repair failure and revision surgery. Antiresorptive medication preoperatively has shown good results in vivo. However, when used in the clinical setting, the efficacy remains controversial. Surgical management may include repair augmentation and placing the anchors in the posteromedial part of the greater tuberosity.

Level of evidence: IV.