Comparison of Rehabilitation Programs After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Terms of Timing

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effects of early and delayed passive joint rehabilitation protocol on functional and quality of life outcomes in patients following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Material and Methods: A total of 202 patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR were included into the study. Ninety eight patients who started the rehabilitation program just after the arthroscopic RCR were comprised as early rehabilitation (ER) group, while 104 patients whose shoulder joint motion was not allowed for 3 weeks after surgery as delayed rehabilitation (DR) group. Demographic characteristics, preoperative and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant Murley (CM) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores were evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference between the ER and the DR groups in terms of improvement of ASES, CM, VAS and SF-36 scores after arthroscopic RCR. There was no difference between two groups in terms of complications such as re-tear, frozen shoulder and infection that developed during the follow-up period. Both rehabilitation protocols were found to have a similar effect on patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion: At a mean follow-up time of 13 months, early and delayed onset postoperative rehabilitation programs are associated with similar functional and quality of life outcomes, and complication rates. Therefore, DR can be preferred primarily in patients with large tears. ER can be an option for the patients with small tears who has anticipation of early return to work and daily life.