Early results of continuous passive motion after rotator cuff repair: a prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the effect of continuous passive motion (CPM) on rotator cuff repair (RCR).

Methods: A prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study was performed on all patients undergoing primary RCR between December 1992 and January 1994. A preoperative "shoulder score" was calculated for each patient based on four scales: function (50%), pain (20%), muscle strength (15%), and range-of-motion (ROM) (15%). A standard questionnaire and single blinded physical therapist were employed. At the time of operation, patients were randomized into the control group (postoperative physical therapy [PT]) or the study group (PT plus CPM). Postoperative shoulder scores were then calculated by repeat questionnaires and physical examinations at 3-month follow-up.

Results: Twenty-six patients (12 control, 14 study; 24/26 tears were full thickness) underwent RCR and completed 3-month follow-up. Both groups had similar age and sex distributions; the study group had larger tears than the control group. All patients underwent RCR and subacromial decompression. No statistically significant difference in shoulder score increases was seen between the two groups at follow-up. A statistically significant (P = 0.0138) increase in ROM subscore was seen in the study group. Other subscores showing improvement with CPM included pain relief in female patients (P = 0.0185), and pain relief in patients > or = 60 years of age (P = 0.0364).

Conclusions: CPM has no effect on overall shoulder score at 3-month follow-up. CPM has a beneficial effect on ROM for all patients, as well as on pain relief in female patients and patients > or = 60 years of age.