Effect of motion and immobilization on shoulder function early after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
10.3760/cma.j.cn501098-20200501-00330
- VernacularTitle:关节镜下肩袖损伤修补术后早期运动和制动对肩关节功能的影响
- Author:
Jiye HE
1
;
Jiahong ZHANG
;
Guiquan CAI
;
Hui WANG
;
Dongliang WANG
Author Information
1. 上海交通大学医学院附属新华医院骨科 200092
- Keywords:
Shoulder;
Arthroscopy;
Rotator cuff
- From:
Chinese Journal of Trauma
2021;37(2):122-128
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the effect of passive motion and immobilization on shoulder function early after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 78 patients with rotator cuff tear admitted to Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2016 to December 2017. There were 36 males and 42 females, aged 35-78 years [(62.7±3.2)years]. There were 36 patients with medium-sized tears (1-3 cm), 31 with small tears (<1 cm), and 11 with partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA). All patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Forty-three patients started rehabilitation exercise immediately after operation (motion group). Thirty-five patients were immobilized with shoulder abduction brace for 6 weeks, and started rehabilitation exercise at week 7 (immobilization group). The range of motion, visual analogue pain score (VAS), simplified shoulder joint function test (SST) and Constant shoulder joint score were compared between the two groups before surgery, 6 weeks, 3 months and 12 months after surgery. The healing results were assessed by ultrasound 12 months after surgery. Complications were observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 12-16 months [(13.7±1.3)months]. There were 7 patients with shoulder joint stiffness in each group (motion group: 16%, immobilization group: 20%) ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in VAS, SST or Constant score at postoperative 6 weeks, 3 months and 12 months ( P>0.05). The forward flexion and external rotation with the arm at the side in immobilization group was (124.9±12.9)° and 25(20, 30)° at postoperative 6 weeks, significantly improved in motion group [(136.6±16.7)°, 30(25, 40)°] ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in forward flexion and external rotation with the arm at the side at postoperative 3 and 12 months ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in internal rotation at postoperative 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months ( P>0.05). All rotator cuffs were healed verified by ultrasound at postoperative 12 months. No infection or implant displacement occurred after operation. Conclusions:For arthroscopic repair of medium-sized tears, small tears and PASTA, early postoperative rehabilitation exercises have advantage in improving range of motion only at early stage when compared to immobilization, which disappears with time. Moreover, the two methods have no significant differences in improving postoperative pain and shoulder function.
