Complications of rotator cuff repair.

Complications are reported in 10.5% of shoulders undergoing rotator cuff repair, but little attention has been directed toward this aspect of the procedure. A total of 116 shoulders undergoing rotator cuff repair were studied carefully relative to complications and risk factors. Complications occurred in 44 of these shoulders (38%). A major surgical complication affecting the final result occurred in 19 shoulders (16%). In order of frequency, the complications of tendon healing were frozen shoulder, deep infection, and dislocation. Many risk factors were also identified.