• BACKGROUND
    • Mobility recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in different tears size.
  • AIM
    • To investigate, after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the range of motion (ROM) progression in different sized tears (small, large and massive), and evaluating ROM changes in the pre- and postoperative periods of each group.
  • DESIGN
    • Cohort study.
  • SETTING
    • Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy.
  • POPULATION
    • Ninety-two patients with reparable rotator cuff tears.
  • METHODS
    • Patients were divided in three groups: group A (small lesions), group B (large lesions) and group C (reparable massive lesions) composed by 29, 31 and 32 patients, respectively. ROM were measured preoperatively (T0), and after 45 (T1), 70 (T2) and 100 (T3) days after the arthroscopic treatment.
  • RESULTS
    • From T0 to T3, small lesions are associated to excellent results, with an improvement of all parameters; the same in patients with large lesions, except for flexion parameter; in reparable massive lesions only external and internal rotation improved.
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • Not all parameters recover in the same way: postoperative rehabilitative protocol is an integral contributor to favorable outcomes in patients with rotator cuff tears.
  • CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT
    • The knowledge about ROM recovering after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a strategic information for the patient, as well as for the surgeon and physiatrist.