Editorial Commentary: Doc, Is It All in My Head? With Rotator Cuff Tears, It Partially Is!

Abstract

Psychosocial factors including anxiety, depression, and poor mental health negatively influence the baseline clinical expression of rotator cuff tearing. The same factors may influence clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair surgery. Counseling patients preoperatively about postoperative expectations of rotator cuff repair surgery has a substantial positive impact on postoperative functional outcomes. As surgeons, we need to take the time to not just be technicians but counsel our patients and consider the impact of distress, anxiety, and expectations on the success of our treatments for rotator cuff tears.