61
Immobilization After Rotator Cuff Repair Is as Effective as Early Motion
Full Title
Rehabilitation following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized trial of immobilization compared with early motion.
Summary
This randomized controlled trial compared early range of motion versus immobilization (delayed motion for 6 weeks) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in 124 patients. At 12 to 24 months follow-up, there were no significant differences in functional scores, active motion, shoulder strength, or tendon healing rates between the two groups. Both groups achieved a 92% healing rate. The only advantage of early motion was slightly better elevation and rotation at 3 months, which disappeared by later follow-up. These findings indicate that resting the injury after repair does not compromise healing, and that early exercise provides no meaningful advantage over a period of immobilization.