Early versus delayed mobilization for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (small to large sized tear): a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The timing to start passive or active range of motion (ROM) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated early versus delayed passive and active ROM protocols following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature on the outcomes of early active/passive versus delayed active/passive postoperative arthroscopic rotator cuff repair rehabilitation protocols. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to April 2022 comparing early motion (EM) versus delayed motion (DM) rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for partial and full-thickness tear was conducted. The primary outcome was range of motion (anterior flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, abduction) and the secondary outcomes were Constant-Murley score (CMS), Simple Shoulder Test Score (SST score) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs with 1,082 patients were included in this study (7 RCTs for early passive motion (EPM) vs. delayed passive motion (DPM) and 7 RCTs for early active motion (EAM) vs. delayed active motion (DAM). Anterior flexion (1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55-2.25) and abduction (2.73, 95%CI, 0.74-4.71) were higher in the EPM group compared to DPM. Similarly, EAM showed superiority in anterior flexion (1.57, 95%CI, 0.62-2.52) and external rotation (1.59, 95%CI, 0.36-2.82), compared to DAM. There was no difference between EPM and DPM for external rotation, retear rate, CMS and SST scores. There was no difference between EAM and DAM for retear rate, abduction, CMS and VAS. CONCLUSION: EAM and EPM were both associated with superior ROM compared to the DAM and DPM protocols. EAM and EPM were both safe and beneficial to improve ROM after arthroscopic surgery for the patients with small to large sized tears.

Does early motion lead to a higher failure rate or better outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair? A systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were as follows: to perform a systematic review of meta-analyses comparing "early motion" and "delayed motion" after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair; to provide a framework to analyze the best available evidence to develop recommendations; and to identify gaps where suggestions could be made for future investigations. METHODS: Literature searches were performed to identify meta-analyses examining arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with early-motion vs. delayed-motion rehabilitation protocols. Clinical data were extracted, and meta-analysis quality was assessed using the Quality of Reporting of Meta-analyses and Oxman-Guyatt scales. RESULTS: Nine meta-analyses met inclusion criteria. No clear superiority was noted in clinical outcome scores for early-motion or delayed-motion rehabilitation. Results of tendon healing were found to be either no different or in favor of delayed motion, but no differences were noted in rotator cuff tear recurrence rates postoperatively. The majority of meta-analyses found significantly better range of motion with early motion up to a year postoperatively for forward elevation and up to 6 months for external rotation, but significant differences were not reported for functional improvements and strength at 12 months postoperatively. Subgroup analyses suggested that larger preoperative tear sizes have significantly greater retear rates with early-motion rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: The current highest level of evidence suggests that early-motion rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair results in superior postoperative range of motion up to 1 year. Whereas early motion and delayed motion after cuff repair may lead to comparable functional outcomes and retear rates, concern exists that early motion may result in greater retear rates, particularly with larger tear sizes.

Collagen ribbon augmentation of Achilles tendon tears: a biomechanical evaluation.

Early motion of a repaired Achilles tendon has been accepted to improve both clinical and biomechanical outcomes. It has been postulated that augmenting a primary Achilles tendon repair with a collagen ribbon will improve the repair construct's initial strength, thereby facilitating early motion. The purpose of the present study was to compare the failure load of Achilles tendon defects repaired with suture, with or without augmentation with a collagen ribbon. Ten matched pairs of cadaveric feet and tibiae underwent simulated Achilles tendon tear in the watershed area and were then repaired with 4-strand Krackow sutures only or were sutured and augmented with a box weave collagen ribbon xenograft. The specimens were prepared for testing by keeping the insertion of the Achilles to the calcaneus intact and dissecting the gastrocnemius at its origin, leaving the repair undisturbed. The mean load at failure for the augmented (suture plus collagen ribbon) specimens was 392.4 ± 74.9 N. In contrast, the mean load at failure for the suture-only (control) construct was 98.0 ± 17.6 N (p < .001). The augmented specimens demonstrated a greater mean strength of 4.1 ± 0.9 N (range 3.2 to 5.6). After cyclic loading, the mean gap across the Achilles repair was significantly smaller in the augmented group than in the control group (p = .006). We have concluded that box weave collagen ribbon augmentation of the primary suture Achilles tendon repairs can provide enhanced gap resistance and strength under cyclic loading and ramped tensile testing.

A novel technique for subscapularis repair in total shoulder arthroplasty.

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, when used for treatment of primary glenohumeral arthritis, is historically very successful. We propose a novel technique for subscapularis repair during closure of a deltopectoral approach to the shoulder with subscapularis peel. Our technique allows for early motion following surgery and also provides for improved subscapularis repair integrity and resilience during postoperative rehabilitation. Postoperatively, we allow passive and active assisted range of motion at week 1, limited active range of motion at week 2, and unrestricted external rotation range of motion beginning at week 6. The use of our technique has led to improved patient outcomes with regard to range of motion postoperatively following anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and we recommend its adoption into practice.

Rehabilitation following extra-articular proximal phalangeal fractures of the fingers in adults: a scoping review.

Introduction: Proximal phalangeal fractures are common and can have a significant impact on hand function. Therefore, it is important to optimise post-operative rehabilitation. A scoping review was undertaken to map the existing evidence on rehabilitation of proximal phalangeal fractures of the fingers in adults. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted which included database searching, reference searching, hand searching of journals, and searching for grey literature. Eight articles were included after screening for eligibility. Results: Three studies researched surgical interventions and five studies conservative management. The immobilisation period varied between 5 days to 3 weeks in the surgical studies, and between 3 to 7 weeks in the conservative studies. Active exercise therapy was started immediately with conservative management, while in the surgical studies time to commence exercises varied between 5 days and 3 weeks. All studies reported good results in mobility with a mean total active motion ranging from 240° to 258.9°. Patients reported little pain at final follow-up and grip strength recovered to 96% compared to the unaffected side. Studies reporting on function and patient satisfaction lacked transparency. Conclusions: All studies had a moderate to high risk of bias and the results of the included studies should therefore be interpreted with caution. More high-quality randomised controlled studies with an a priori research protocol and a standard set of outcome measures are necessary to research whether early motion, an intrinsic plus splint leaving the wrist free, and the inclusion of additional treatment modalities can result in a better and/or faster recovery.

Therapy after Flexor Tendon Repair.

Rehabilitation after flexor tendon repairs is a challenging process. The repaired tendon must be simultaneously protected from disruption and moved in a controlled fashion to prevent restrictive adhesion formation. Although measures are necessary to protect the repaired structures, early controlled motion is required to enhance healing and function. Appropriate intervention at the correct phase of healing is based on an understanding of tendon healing and the factors that influence it. Coordination and communication between the surgeon and therapist is essential. Tendon injuries can profoundly affect hand function, and appropriate rehabilitation is essential to preserve function to the fullest extent possible.

Outcome of Early Motion Protocol for Total Hand Replantation: 1- and 2-Year Postoperative Results.

Introduction We review the benefits of early motion protocols following replantation of a total right hand amputation at 1 and 2 years after replantation, and provide recommendations for postoperative management. Materials and Methods Replantation of the entire right hand in zone-4 was performed and supported by rigid external fixation spanning the forearm and hand. An early active "place-and-hold" motion protocol was initiated within the first 3 postoperative days. Metacarpophalangeal joint extensors were tethered by the pins, limiting full excursion. This resulted in stiffness and extensor adhesions that required a staged extensor tenolysis; however, all joints remained supple. The early motion protocol prevented the need for significant flexor tenolysis and joint releases. Results Early motion rehabilitation protocols can produce very successful results in complex replantation. The enhanced stability afforded by external fixation of the wrist allowed us to perform aggressive early rehabilitation. Conclusion This case highlights the benefits of early active motion (limiting the need for complex joint and flexor tendon releases) and demonstrates the degree of extensor adhesions caused by even minor extensor tendon tethering. This aggressive rehabilitation approach can produce excellent range of motion, and likely limit the need for secondary tenolysis and joint release procedures.

Early Versus Delayed Motion After Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review of Overlapping Meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Previous meta-analyses have been conducted to compare outcomes of early versus delayed motion after rotator cuff repair. PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses comparing early versus delayed motion rehabilitation protocols after rotator cuff repair to determine which meta-analyses provide the best available evidence. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Search terms included "rotator cuff repair," "early passive motion," "immobilization," "rehabilitation protocol," and "meta-analysis." Results were reviewed to determine study eligibility. Patient outcomes and structural healing were extracted from these meta-analyses. Meta-analysis quality was assessed using the Oxman-Guyatt and Quality of Reporting of Meta-analyses (QUOROM) systems. The Jadad decision algorithm was then used to determine which meta-analyses provided the best level of evidence. RESULTS: Seven meta-analyses containing a total of 5896 patients met the eligibility criteria (1 Level I evidence, 4 Level II evidence, 2 Level III evidence). None of these meta-analyses found immobilization to be superior to early motion; however, most studies suggested that early motion would increase range of motion (ROM), thereby reducing time of recovery. Three of these studies suggested that tear size contributed to the choice of rehabilitation to ensure proper healing of the shoulder. A study by Chan et al in 2014 received the highest QUOROM and Oxman-Guyatt scores, and therefore this meta-analysis appeared to have the highest level of evidence. Additionally, a study by Riboh and Garrigues in 2014 was selected as the highest quality study in this systematic review according to the Jadad decision algorithm. CONCLUSION: The current, best available evidence suggests that early motion improves ROM after rotator cuff repair but increases the risk of rotator cuff retear. Lower quality meta-analyses indicate that tear size may provide a better strategy in determining the correct rehabilitation protocol.

Rehabilitation protocol after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: early versus delayed motion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of early and delayed motion in rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using a meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic searches of the CENTRAL, PUBMED, and EMBASE were used to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of early and delayed motion for rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials involving a total of 348 shoulders were included. Of these, two were rated as high quality and two were rated as moderate quality. No significant publication bias was detected by Egger's test and sensitivity analysis demonstrates a statistically robust result. Our meta-analysis indicated that early motion after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair resulted in a significantly greater recovery of external rotation from pre-operation to 3, 6, and 12 months post-operation (P < 0.05) and forward elevation ability from pre-operation to 6 months post-operation (P < 0.05), as compared to when motion was delayed. However, early motion resulted in non-significant excess (P > 0.05) in the rate of recurrence, compared to delayed motion. In addition, there were statistically higher rating scale of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores at 12 months post-operation (P < 0.05) and healing rates (P < 0.05) with delayed motion after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, compared with early motion. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis included data from randomized controlled trials and demonstrated that delayed motion after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair resulted in higher healing rates and ASES scores than early motion. Alternatively, early motion increased range of motion (ROM) recovery, but also increased the rate of recurrence compared to delayed motion.