Early Range of Motion Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

The Effect of Early Range of Motion on Clinical Outcomes, Patient Satisfaction, and Cuff Integrity Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair. A Prospective Randomized Study.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a difference in the quality of life, ability to return to functioning (back to everyday life), the amount of experienced pain in patients who immediately move their shoulder versus patient who delay moving their shoulder after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. We are also interested in whether there is a difference in the healing rates between these two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients who are between 18 years and 70 years of age
• full thickness rotator cuff tear on ultrasound and MRI
• failed conservative management

Exclusion Criteria:

• concomitant pathology including massive rotator cuff tears that extend into the subscapularis or the teres minor and all co-existing labral pathology
• history of neuromuscular or degenerative disease