Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the change of the shoulder range of motion (ROM) over time after arthroscopic transosseous suture repair of the rotator cuff (ATOS).
Methods: We included 95 cases which had undergone ARCR with a minimum 1-year follow up period. The average age at operation was 65.4 (range, 36-82). The data of passive shoulder ROM were reviewed, and statistically analyzed with the size and depth of cuff tear, pre- and postoperative ROM limitation and age.
Results: The incidence of postoperative stiffness was 3.2% (3/95). In general, postoperative shoulder ROM steadily recovered regardless of the tear size. Preoperative stiffness; anterior elevation (AE) < 120°/ external rotation on side (ER) < 30° were supposed to affect the significant limitations of AE and ER throughout the study period. The cases over 75 years old indicated significantly limited AE only at 12 months following ATOS. Aging did not affected ER at any time point of measurement.
Discussion: The incidence of postoperative stiffness following ATOS was equivalent to the past reports. The possible explanations of the affecting factors were excessive traction of the tear margin attributed to procedural feature of ATOS and preoperative stiffness. Although the aged cases showed weak tendency to postoperative stiffness, additional research will be needed to clarify the aging effect.
