Prevention of shoulder stiffness after rotator cuff repair

Predisposing factors for shoulder stiffness after rotator cuff repair have yet to be determined. The potential for recovery of range of motion and amelioration of pain in patients with this complication also remains unclear. Accordingly, data collected prospectively for 209 patients with a primary rotator cuff repair were retrospectively reviewed. Two groups, Group A (early motion recovery) and Group B (shoulder stiffness), were selected according to passive shoulder range of motion outcomes 6 weeks postoperatively. Both groups were compared for 10 descriptive and clinical characteristics, and for passive range of motion, muscle force, and functional outcomes obtained 0, 6, 12, 24, and 76 weeks postoperatively. Of the potential prognostic factors examined, restriction of range of motion for the preoperative hand behind the back best predicted shoulder stiffness at 6 weeks postoperatively. For patients with postoperative shoulder stiffness, pain had subsided by 24 weeks postoperatively, whereas range of motion steadily improved between 6 weeks and 76 weeks postoperatively. Results of the current study support a predictive role for restriction of range of motion for the preoperative hand behind the back, and affirms the potential for nearly complete recovery of range of motion and amelioration of pain in patients who have shoulder stiffness after rotator cuff repair.