Early passive motion versus immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Arthroscopy. 2014 Aug;30(8):997-1005. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2014.03.012. Epub 2014 May 10.

Abstract

Purpose: To provide a synthesis of the highest-quality literature available comparing early passive motion (EPM) with strict sling immobilization during the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Methods: The Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for eligible studies. We reviewed 886 citations, and 5 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) (Level II) met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Four RCTs contributed to the analysis of range of motion, and 5 contributed to the analysis of retear rates. A single Level IV study was available for qualitative review. Random-effects models were used for meta-analysis, computing mean differences for continuous variables and risk ratios for dichotomous variables.

Results: EPM resulted in improved shoulder forward flexion at 3 months (mean difference, 14.70°; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.52° to 23.87°; P = .002), 6 months (mean difference, 4.31°; 95% CI, 0.17° to 8.45°; P = .04), and 12 months (mean difference, 4.18°; 95% CI, 0.36° to 8.00°; P = .03). External rotation at the side was only superior with EPM at 3 months (mean difference, 10.43°; 95% CI, 4.51° to 16.34°; P = .0006). Rotator cuff retear rates (16.3% for immobilization v 21.1% for EPM; risk ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.20; P = .31) were not significantly different between EPM and immobilization at a minimum of 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusions: A small number of RCTs with low to moderate risks of bias are currently available. Meta-analysis suggests that after primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of small to medium tears, EPM results in 15° of improved forward flexion at 3 months and approximately 5° at 6 and 12 months. External rotation is improved by 10° with EPM at 3 months only. The clinical importance of these differences has yet to be determined. Retear rates at a minimum of 1 year of follow-up are not clearly affected by type of rehabilitation.

Level of evidence: Level II, meta-analysis of Level II studies and qualitative review of Level IV study.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Arthroscopy / rehabilitation*
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immobilization*
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Rotation
  • Rotator Cuff / surgery*
  • Tendon Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Tendon Injuries / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome