Duration of Smoking Cessation Needed to Achieve Retear Rates Comparable to Those of Nonsmokers After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Smoking increases retear rates after rotator cuff repair. However, the cessation duration required to achieve outcomes comparable to those of nonsmokers remains unclear. PURPOSE: To determine the cessation duration required for former smokers to achieve retear rates comparable to those of nonsmokers after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The study included 1902 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for full-thickness tears between March 2012 and October 2023. Patients were categorized as nonsmokers (1172 patients); former smokers stratified by cessation duration of
Fields of Study & Subjects
Shoulder Injury and Treatment
Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment
Shoulder and Clavicle Injuries
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The American Journal of Sports Medicine
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Volume
- 54
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 1126–1134
- Publication date
- 27 February 2026
- Language
- EN