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Early Motion After Rotator Cuff Repair May Increase Retear Risk
Full Title
Does early motion lead to a higher failure rate or better outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair? A systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses.
Summary
This systematic review analyzed 9 meta-analyses comparing early motion versus delayed motion rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The researchers found no clear superiority in functional outcomes for either approach. While early motion provided slightly better range of motion in the first year, there was concern that it may lead to higher retear rates, particularly in patients with larger tears. Tendon healing results either showed no difference or favored delayed motion. The findings suggest that rushing back to movement after rotator cuff repair may increase the risk of reinjury without providing meaningful long-term benefits.