Article ID: 202105
Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of hospital discharge with a brace on the retear rate and bilateral shoulder functions after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).
Methods: In total, 91 women 65 years or older who underwent ARCR were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: one group (48 patients) was discharged with a brace following ARCR, and another group (43 patients) was continuously admitted after ARCR until brace removal. We compared the pre- and postoperative range of motion, isometric strength of bilateral shoulder and elbow joint muscles, functional score, and retar rate between two groups.
Results: There were no significant differences of the retear rate and range of motion between the groups, except for passive flexion, abduction, 2nd external rotation at 3 months postoperation. The group that was discharged with a brace had better isometric strengths and functional scores at 6 and 12 months postoperation than the continuing admission group.
Conclusion: This study showed that ARCR patients discharged from hospital with a brace after receiving instructions of how to safely perform activity of daily living and self-exercise achieved better shoulder function than continuing admission without increasing the risk of retear and limitation of range of motion.
