Do Selective COX-2 Inhibitors Affect Pain Control and Healing After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair? A Preliminary Study

180 patients scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomized to postoperative analgesia for 2 weeks using either celecoxib 200mg, ibuprofen 385mg, or tramadol 50mg. Primary study variables included pain scores and rescue analgesia consumption over the first 2 weeks. Secondary study variables, implemented a posteriori, were pain scores, functional scores, and tendon healing on the Sugaya classifications over a 24-month follow-up. Primary study variables demonstrated no significant differences between groups. Secondary study variables also demonstrated no significant differences between groups, with the exception of retear rate. Retear rate was higher among patients who were given celecoxib compared to patients given either ibuprofen or tramadol.