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Keith KM, Castle JP, Abed V, Wager SG, Patel M, Gaudiani MA, Yedulla NR, Makhni EC. Many patients fail to achieve MCID for PROMIS upper extremity and pain interference following nonoperative management of rotator cuff tears. JSES Int 2023; 7:2337-2343. [PMID: 37969490 PMCID: PMC10638566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Efficacy of nonoperative treatment for rotator cuff tears has been debated, especially for full-thickness tears. The purpose of this study was to a) define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of nonoperative treatment with regard to Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain interference (PI) and upper extremity (UE), and b) determine the proportion of patients with both partial and full-thickness tears (PTRCT, FTRCT) who achieve this improvement following initial nonoperative treatment. We hypothesized that >75% of PTRCT and FTRTC patients would achieve MCID for PROMIS PI and UE. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating nonoperatively managed patients with image-confirmed PTRCT and FTRCT. Treatment modalities and follow-up PROMIS scores at least 6 months after their initial visit were recorded. Using a distribution technique, MCID was calculated. Results A total of 111 FTRCT and 68 PTRCT patients were included with at least 6 months of follow-up. At 6 months from initial presentation, the MCID for PROMIS UE was 3.75 and 3.95 for FTRCT and PTRCT patients, respectively. For PROMIS PI, the MCID was 3.35 and 3.90 for FTRCT and PTRCT, respectively. In total, 41% of FTRCT and 41% of PTRCT achieved MCID for PROMIS UE. Thirty-four percent of FTRCT and 35% of PTRCT achieved MCID for PROMIS PI. Conclusion The majority of patients undergoing nonoperative treatment for supraspinatus/infraspinatus rotator cuff tears did not achieve MCID at 6 months for PROMIS PI (34% for FTRCT and 35% for PTRCT) or UE (41% for FTRCT and 41% for PTRCT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Keith
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Joshua P. Castle
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Varag Abed
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Susan G. Wager
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Mit Patel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Michael A. Gaudiani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Nikhil R. Yedulla
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Eric C. Makhni
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
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Fernández-Matías R, García-Pérez F, Requejo-Salinas N, Gavín-González C, Martínez-Martín J, García-Valencia H, Flórez-García MT. Content reporting and effectiveness of therapeutic exercise in the management of massive rotator cuff tears: A systematic review with 490 patients. Shoulder Elbow 2023; 15:92-107. [PMID: 37974611 PMCID: PMC10649485 DOI: 10.1177/17585732221140113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCT) account for a substantial fraction of tears above the age of 60 years. However, there are no clear criteria for prescription parameters within therapeutic exercise treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and characteristics of therapeutic exercise treatments in patients with MRCT. Methods A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, SciELO, Scopus and EMBASE from inception to August 2022. Studies were included if they evaluated the effects of exercise on patients with MRCT. The risk of bias was evaluated and the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) was also used. A narrative synthesis without meta-analysis was performed. Results One randomized controlled trial, two non-randomized studies, six non-controlled studies, one case series and four retrospective studies were included. They ranged from serious to moderate risk of bias. The CERT reflected a poor description of the exercise programmes. Studies showed a pattern of improvements in most patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) surpassing the MCID, and active elevation range of motion. Conclusions There is limited evidence that exercise and co-interventions are effective in the management of some patients with MRCT, based on a systematic review without meta-analysis. Future research should improve content reporting. Level of evidence IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Fernández-Matías
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando García-Pérez
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
| | - Néstor Requejo-Salinas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Superior Center for University Studies La Salle, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences (INCIMOV). Superior Center for University Studies La Salle. Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Gavín-González
- Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Martínez-Martín
- Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
| | - Homero García-Valencia
- Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
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Salazar-Méndez J, Morales-Verdugo J, Lluch-Girbés E, Araya-Quintanilla F, Ribeiro IL, Mendoza-Grau R, Mellado-Méndez J, Mendez-Rebolledo G. A scoping review of tendon transfer surgeries and postsurgical physical therapy interventions in individuals with massive rotator cuff tears. PM R 2023. [PMID: 37870114 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify tendon transfer surgeries and postsurgical physical therapy interventions in people with massive rotator cuff (RC) tears. METHODS The literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases from inception to September 2022. Studies with patients diagnosed with massive RC tears undergoing tendon transfers that reported physical therapy interventions after surgery were included. Two reviewers pooled the data into ad hoc summary tables with the following information: authors, year, study characteristics (sample size, tendon transfer surgical used, approach type, preoperative risk, deficit addressed, additional surgical interventions), and physical therapy interventions (early stage, intermediate stage, and advanced stage). RESULTS Forty-four articles (59.0% case series) were included, with a total sample of 1213 participants. The most frequently used surgery was the isolated tendon transfer of the latissimus dorsi (49.1%). Most of the studies reported three main stages of physical therapy interventions after tendon transfer surgery: early stage (lasting 5-6 weeks), intermediate stage (started at 7-12 weeks), and advanced stage (started at 12 weeks). Physical therapy interventions included passive, active-assisted, resisted therapeutic exercise, and hydrotherapy. CONCLUSIONS The evidence regarding physical therapy interventions after RC tendon transfer surgery is limited to the number and duration of the stages and general characteristics without specifying the type and dose of the interventions. Future research with high methodological quality should integrate more detailed rehabilitation protocols to better guide therapeutic decisions after RC transfer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Salazar-Méndez
- Laboratorio de Investigación Somatosensorial y Motora, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Talca, Chile
| | - Juan Morales-Verdugo
- Departamento de Ciencias Preclínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Enrique Lluch-Girbés
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Felipe Araya-Quintanilla
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ivana Leao Ribeiro
- Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | | | | | - Guillermo Mendez-Rebolledo
- Laboratorio de Investigación Somatosensorial y Motora, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Talca, Chile
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Ó Conaire E, Delaney R, Lädermann A, Schwank A, Struyf F. Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Which Patients Will Benefit from Physiotherapy Exercise Programs? A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:5242. [PMID: 37047860 PMCID: PMC10094518 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears can cause significant shoulder pain, disability and reduction in quality of life. Treatment approaches can be operative or non-operative. Operative approaches include reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, arthroscopic debridement, partial rotator cuff repair, subacromial balloon spacers, superior capsule reconstruction, and tendon transfer procedures. Non-operative approaches include physiotherapy exercise programs and corticosteroid injections. There are no randomized controlled trials comparing the different treatment approaches. It is therefore challenging for clinicians to advise patients on what is their best treatment pathway. Physiotherapy exercise programs are less expensive and have lower risks for patients than surgical approaches. However, the success of physiotherapy in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears is highly variable with published success rates of 32-96%. Several cohort studies have sought to identify if certain factors are predictive of success with physiotherapy. Several biomechanical factors were identified as possibly being related to a successful or unsuccessful outcome following physiotherapy, with complete tear of subscapularis demonstrating the strongest evidence. However, there were no appropriately designed prognostic studies. There has been a strong emphasis on biomechanical factors. Other domains such as psychosocial factors, which are important in similar patient populations, have not been explored. We recommend that further research is needed in this area and should include randomized controlled trials comparing treatment approaches and longitudinal prospective prognostic studies to identify predictors of treatment success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin Ó Conaire
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/MOVANT, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.S.); (F.S.)
- Evidence-Based Therapy Centre, First Floor Geata na Cathrach, Fairgreen Road, H91 W26K Galway, Ireland
| | - Ruth Delaney
- Dublin Shoulder Institute, Sports Surgery Clinic, Santry, D09 C523 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Alexandre Lädermann
- Division of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, La Tour Hospital, 1217 Meyrin, Switzerland;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ariane Schwank
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/MOVANT, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.S.); (F.S.)
- Institute for Therapy and Rehabilitation, Canton Hospital Winterthur, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Filip Struyf
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/MOVANT, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.S.); (F.S.)
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Fahy K, Galvin R, Lewis J, McCreesh K. Large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears: a protocol for a systematic review investigating the effectiveness of exercise therapy on pain, disability and quality of life. HRB Open Res 2021; 4:75. [PMID: 34504993 PMCID: PMC8385455 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13242.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic non-traumatic rotator cuff tendon tears are inextricably linked with the natural process of aging often resulting in severe disability, poor quality of life and an added burden to the health care system. The occurrence of rotator cuff tendon tears increases exponentially with every decade of life to approximately 60% in individuals over 80 years of age. Exercise is a commonly prescribed intervention although research on its efficacy is in its infancy and often conflicting. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of exercise interventions for people diagnosed with large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears. Methods: This systematic review will adhere to the PRISMA reporting guidelines. A comprehensive search of five databases will be conducted. Randomised clinical trials (RCT) or quasi-randomised control trials will be included if they evaluate exercise as the core intervention or as part of the intervention in the management of large to massive rotator cuff tears. To quantify response to treatment we will compare changes in pain, disability and quality of life (QoL). The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) will be used to characterise the different types of exercise intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool will be used to assess study quality. A narrative synthesis with meta-analysis will be performed, and the certainty of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Discussion: This review will synthesise the totality of GRADE A and B evidence on the effectiveness of exercise for large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears. It will provide clinically important information and guidance for immediate implementation by clinicians, health policymakers and may be used to guide future research. PROSPERO registration: 244502 (24/03/2021)
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Fahy
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Munster, V94T9PX, Ireland.,Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rose Galvin
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Munster, V94T9PX, Ireland.,Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jeremy Lewis
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfiield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK.,Therapy Department, Central London Community Healthcare, National Health Service Trust, London, UK.,Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Karen McCreesh
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Munster, V94T9PX, Ireland.,Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Gutiérrez-Espinoza H, Olguín-Huerta C, Cuyul-Vásquez I, Ríos-Riquelme M, Valenzuela-Fuenzalida J, Araya-Quintanilla F. Association Between Body Mass Index and Functional Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Extra-articular Distal Radius Fracture: A Prospective Observational Study. Indian J Orthop 2021; 55:1009-1014. [PMID: 34194659 PMCID: PMC8192664 DOI: 10.1007/s43465-021-00358-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The association between body mass index (BMI) and functional outcomes is unknown in elderly individuals with distal radius fracture (DRF). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate if there is association between BMI and functional outcomes in patients older than 60 years with DRF treated conservatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective observational study was performed. A total of 228 patients with extra-articular DRF were prospectively recruited. All patients were categorized by their BMI as normal, overweight, or obese. Functional outcomes were assessed after cast removal and at 1-year follow-up. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure (DASH), and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires were used to assess upper limb and wrist/hand function, respectively, while the Jamar Dynamometer was used to assess grip strength. RESULTS Of the total number of patients, 184 were female (80.7%), 87 were overweight (38.2%), and 111 were obese (48.7%). After cast removal, the correlations between BMI and functional outcomes were DASH 0.06 (p = 0.578), PRWE 0.04 (p = 0.692), and grip strength - 0.02 (p = 0.763). At 1-year follow-up, the correlations were DASH 0.55 (p = 0.036), PRWE 0.32 (p = 0.041), and grip strength - 0.21 (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION This study suggests that at 1-year follow-up, there was a low-to-moderate association between BMI and poor functional outcomes in elderly patients with extra-articular DRF treated conservatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, observational prospective study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Gutiérrez-Espinoza
- Rehabilitation in Health Research Center, CIRES, University of the Americas, Echaurren Street 140, 3rd floor, Santiago, Chile
- School of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Department, Universidad Gabriela Mistral, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Olguín-Huerta
- Rehabilitation in Health Research Center, CIRES, University of the Americas, Echaurren Street 140, 3rd floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Cuyul-Vásquez
- Departamento de Procesos Terapéuticos, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Mario Ríos-Riquelme
- Sciences in Physical Activity Department, Universidad de Santiago, Libertador Bernardo O´Higgins Avenue 3363, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Valenzuela-Fuenzalida
- Departamento de Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Republica Avenue 259, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Araya-Quintanilla
- Rehabilitation in Health Research Center, CIRES, University of the Americas, Echaurren Street 140, 3rd floor, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
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Araya-Quintanilla F, Gutiérrez-Espinoza H, Gana-Hervias G, Cavero-Redondo I, Álvarez-Bueno C. Association between type of rotator cuff tear and functional outcomes in patients with massive and irreparable rotator cuff tear: A pre-post intervention study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2021; 30:1393-1401. [PMID: 32920107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to analyze: (1) the differences in the pre-post change in functional outcomes after a physical therapy program by the type of massive and irreparable rotator cuff tear (MIRCT) controlling for potential confounders, and (2) the influence of lifestyle behaviors and demographic and tear tendon characteristics on function in patients over 60 years of age with conservatively treated MIRCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this pre-post intervention study, 92 patients were prospectively recruited at the Clinical Hospital San Borja Arriaran, with atraumatic MIRCT, between 60 and 75 years of age (mean: 67.9 ± 4.5 years), and the mean of length of symptoms was 16.5 months (±5.7 months). Patients received a physical therapy program consisting of manual therapy and a specific exercise program of 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks. The imaging findings were performed by 2 medical radiologists who classified the rotator cuff tear according to the criteria proposed by Collins. Shoulder function, upper limb function, and pain intensity were assessed with the Constant-Murley; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. Analysis of covariance models were estimated to assess differences in MIRCT categories between functional outcomes. Multiple regression model analysis was used for the association between the change in functional outcomes and lifestyle behaviors, and demographic and tear tendon characteristics. RESULTS The results showed no pre-post change in functional outcomes by type of MIRCT in all models (P > .05). There is an association between length of symptoms (P = .000), and the baseline values of the 3 functional measures (P = .000) are associated with changes in Constant-Murley; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; and VAS. In addition, changes in VAS are associated with body mass index (BMI) (P = .000), and changes in Constant-Murley are associated with gender (P = .023), BMI (P = .000), and tobacco consumption (P = .000). CONCLUSION There is no difference in functional outcomes by type of MIRCT after a physical therapy program controlling for potential confounders. In addition, there is an association of length of symptoms with all functional outcomes, an association of BMI with VAS and Constant-Murley questionnaire, and an association between tobacco consumption and Constant-Murley questionnaire. Our results could influence the orthopedic surgeon's decisions; thus, not predicting the functional outcome through imaging findings could lead clinicians to reconsider the need for surgery in the treatment algorithm in patients over 60 years with MIRCT. In addition, demographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviors might be considered within the patient's evaluation and follow-up to decide on surgical interventions and evaluate the clinical course of the disease. Further studies measuring additional variables and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Araya-Quintanilla
- Rehabilitation in Health Research Center, CIRES, Universidad de Las Americas, Santiago, Chile; Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad SEK, Santiago, Chile
| | - Héctor Gutiérrez-Espinoza
- Rehabilitation in Health Research Center, CIRES, Universidad de Las Americas, Santiago, Chile; School of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Department, Universidad Gabriela Mistral, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Gana-Hervias
- School of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Department, Universidad Gabriela Mistral, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Cavero-Redondo
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain; Universidad Politécnica y Artística del Paraguay, Asunción, Paraguay.
| | - Celia Álvarez-Bueno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain; Universidad Politécnica y Artística del Paraguay, Asunción, Paraguay
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Shepet KH, Liechti DJ, Kuhn JE. Nonoperative treatment of chronic, massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a systematic review with synthesis of a standardized rehabilitation protocol. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2021; 30:1431-1444. [PMID: 33276163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A massive, irreparable rotator cuff tear may cause significant pain and dysfunction. However, the efficacy of nonoperative treatment modalities in this subset of patients is not currently well known. Also, there is currently no gold standard nonoperative protocol to guide treatment. The goal of the present systematic review is to determine if there is any evidence to support the use of various nonoperative treatment modalities and synthesize a standardized nonoperative treatment protocol for the patient with a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. METHODS A comprehensive review of the literature utilizing PRISMA guidelines was performed. Studies involving clinical outcomes of nonoperative treatment of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears were included. Articles were reviewed by 2 reviewers to determine inclusion or exclusion based on established criteria. Selected articles were reviewed for results of clinical and functional outcomes. The studies were also reviewed to determine their level of evidence and potential sources of bias. A standardized nonoperative treatment protocol was developed by taking described elements of the protocols used in studies that demonstrated clinical improvement beyond the MCID for the outcome scores used by the authors. RESULTS A total of 10 studies met inclusion criteria for our studies. Of the included studies, 1 was Level III evidence and the remaining 9 were Level IV evidence. Multiple studies showed significant improvement exceeding the MCID for functional outcome scores following treatment. Also, several studies demonstrated significant improvements in strength and range of motion. The overall success of nonoperative treatment ranged from 32%-96%. The synthesized nonoperative treatment protocol is characterized by requiring some supervised physical therapy, often requiring 12 weeks or more, focusing on supine exercises with gradual progression to upright. Corticosteroid injections and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be of benefit. CONCLUSION Despite low-quality evidence, nonoperative treatment has been shown to be efficacious for patients with chronic, massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. Using these results, a synthesized rehabilitation program was developed to guide clinicians when treating patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin H Shepet
- Bellin Health Titletown Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, Green Bay, WI, USA
| | - Daniel J Liechti
- Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - John E Kuhn
- Department of Orthopaedics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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