From tear to repair: A systematic review of frequently asked questions before rotator cuff surgery
Abstract
Background Patient education is essential in managing orthopaedic conditions and enabling shared decision-making. Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder pathologies, but the specific questions patients ask remain unclear. This review identifies frequently asked patient questions about rotator cuff injury and repair to help develop targeted educational resources. Methods A systematic search was conducted in April 2025 across PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using terms related to rotator cuff pathology and patient education. After removing duplicates, two reviewers independently screened studies for inclusion. Studies were eligible if they reported patient questions regarding rotator cuff tears or surgery. A narrative synthesis was used to identify and rank the most frequently asked questions. Results Of 2298 records, 10 studies met inclusion criteria, yielding 147 unique patient questions. 17 questions appeared in at least three studies, and 10 in seven or more. The top questions included: non-operative treatment options, the nature of rotator cuff repair, surgical outcomes, post-surgical therapy, untreated consequences, recovery time, symptoms, diagnosis, postoperative pain, and surgical risks. Conclusion Researchers believe that patients consistently seek information on rotator cuff diagnosis, management, outcomes, and risks. This review offers an evidence-based framework to improve patient education materials and support informed decision-making.
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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