
Physical Therapy & Rehab
Post-operative rotator cuff repair immobilization: 3 weeks in a sling vs. 6 weeks in a brace
This report has been verified
by one or more authors of the
original publication.
Arthroscopy. 2018 Oct;34(10):2765-2774
120 patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears were randomized to receive either 3 weeks of post-surgery immobilization in a sling, or 6 weeks of immobilization in a brace (with an abduction pillow placing the arm in a neutral position). Follow-up was performed at the 6 week time-point, as well as at 3, 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Outcomes reported included the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index, Constant Murley (CM) score, range of movement (ROM), as well as MRI results and patient-reported satisfaction. Sling immobilization for a period of 3 weeks was found to be a non-inferior treatment compared to brace immobilization for a period of 6 weeks, according to primary outcome of WORC index at 12 months. Additionally, patient reported shoulder function and range of motion, as well as incidence of re-tear, did not significantly differ between groups.
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