Pattern and time phase of shoulder function and power recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. JSES

Pattern and time phase of shoulder function and power recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was recently published by JSES.

Two of the tears were small, 34 were medium, and 9 were large according to the system proposed by our late colleague, Melvin Post. At an average of 36 months after surgery, the Constant Score was 86.5 on average and the retear rate by sonography was 17.5%. 

These authors "investigated the relationship of the tear recurrences to Constant score and 3 and 6 months and found no significant associations".  These observation of tear recurrence after repair and the lack of correlation with clinical outcome is consistent with observations previously posted here and here and here and here and with the report in 1991 by Harryman. 

Importantly, these authors point out that the time to recover strength after a cuff repair is long and that patients need to be so advised. See this chart made from their data:

The authors state "it is therefore apparent that patient satisfaction and function improve even with a failed tendon repair'.  This is why we believe it is important to consider carefully whether to perform smooth and move or attempt a repair (which requires substantial 'down time' to protect the repair before strengthening can be started.

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