The effect of postoperative sling immobilization and early mobilization on clinical and functional outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A propensity score-matched analysis

Misir A., Oguzkaya S., Kizkapan T. B., EKEN G., Sayer G.

Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, vol.35, no.6, pp.1391-1398, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 35 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.3233/bmr-210358
  • Journal Name: Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SportDiscus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1391-1398
  • Keywords: Sling, rotator cuff, arthroscopic, function, quality of life, SUPRASPINATUS TENDON, SURGICAL REPAIR, PASSIVE MOTION, REHABILITATION, TEARS, RELIABILITY, MANAGEMENT, TENSION
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

BACKROUND: Optimal postoperative management is controversial after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate outcomes of patients with and without postoperative sling immobilization after undergoing arthroscopic RCR rotator cuff repair. METHOD: 369 arthroscopic full thickness superior rotator cuff tears (RCT) with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included in this study. Propensity score matching was performed for age, sex, BMI, and tear size. Pain (VAS score), shoulder range of motion (ROM), functional outcome (ASES, Constant-Murley [CM] and Oxford shoulder score [OSS]), and health related quality of life (SF-36) scores were compared between patients with and without sling immobilization. RESULTS: According to the propensity match score, 92 patients (50 sling immobilization and 42 no sling immobilization) were matched to be almost identical in age (62.5 ± 8.0 vs. 61.8 ± 5.9), sex (female 78% vs. 76.2%), BMI (28.1 ± 2.8 vs. 27.8 ± 2.6), and tear size (2.7 ± 1.1 vs. 2.9 ± 0.8). The postoperative physical functioning domain of SF-36 scores was found to be significantly higher in the no sling group (p= 0.034). CONCLUSION: Early mobilization after arthroscopic small and medium sized full thickness superior rotator cuff repair is associated with improved ROM and quality of life scores.