Editorial Commentary : Preoperative Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Receptor Agonist Use May Improve Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair but Beneficial Effects May Vary Across Patient Subgroups

Abstract

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) have rapidly emerged as a cornerstone therapy for weight loss and metabolic optimization in obese patients. In orthopaedic surgery, these agents have been associated with improved perioperative risk profiles in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty surgery; however, their impact on outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains incompletely understood. Recent evidence suggests that preoperative GLP‐1 RA use in obese patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is generally safe, may reduce health care utilization, and may be associated with decreased rates of retears and revision surgery at mid‐term follow‐up. However, these effects may not be uniform across all obese patients, and potential benefits may be concentrated within specific patient subgroups. As the use of GLP‐1 RAs continues to expand, defining subgroup‐specific differences in clinical outcomes is critical, as population‐level conclusions may obscure clinically meaningful detail regarding which patient subgroups are likely to receive the most benefit. Identifying these patient populations is critical as GLP‐1 RA are not entirely without risk.