Preoperative Central Sensitization and Postoperative Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

This prospective, single-center, observational study is designed to evaluate the impact of preoperative central sensitization on postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Rotator cuff tears are among the most common causes of shoulder pain and functional disability, and although arthroscopic repair generally provides satisfactory outcomes, a considerable proportion of patients continue to experience persistent pain and functional limitations after surgery.

Recent evidence suggests that pain perception is influenced not only by structural pathology but also by alterations in central pain processing mechanisms. Central sensitization is characterized by an increased responsiveness of the central nervous system to sensory stimuli and has been associated with greater pain severity, impaired physical function, and poorer quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. However, the influence of preoperative central sensitization on postoperative recovery following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains insufficiently investigated.

Adult patients aged 18-65 years with a rotator cuff tear confirmed by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and scheduled for arthroscopic repair will be consecutively enrolled. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, symptom duration, dominant side, and affected shoulder, will be recorded. Preoperative central sensitization will be evaluated using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and shoulder function will be evaluated using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).

Clinical assessments will be performed at baseline (preoperatively) and at postoperative 3 months. Participants will be classified according to their preoperative CSI scores, with a CSI score of ≥40 considered indicative of central sensitization. Postoperative clinical outcomes will be compared between patients with and without central sensitization. The primary objective is to determine whether preoperative central sensitization is associated with postoperative shoulder function, while secondary objectives include evaluating its relationship with postoperative pain and overall clinical recovery.

Inclusion criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Age between 18 and 65 years
• Diagnosis of rotator cuff tear confirmed by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Scheduled to undergo arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
• Ability to understand and complete study questionnaires
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Previous surgery on the affected shoulder.
• Concomitant shoulder disorders requiring additional surgical procedures (e.g., fracture, instability, advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis).
• History of inflammatory rheumatic disease, active infection, or malignancy affecting the shoulder.
• Neurological disorders that may influence pain perception or upper extremity function.
• Severe psychiatric illness or cognitive impairment preventing completion of the questionnaires.
• Pregnancy.
• Inability or unwillingness to provide written informed consent.
• Inability to attend the postoperative 3-month follow-up evaluation.