Shoulder Stiffness Enhances Repair Integrity After Rotator Cuff Repair

Shoulder stiffness after rotator cuff repair is relatively common. In the past, this was thought to be a difficult complication, and many suggested manipulation under aesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release early in the postoperative course if a patient developed stiffness after rotator cuff repair. But, recent research shows such stiffness is actually a good thing. If a patient develops stiffness after rotator cuff repair, they have a better chance of healing their repair. Eventually, most of the stiffness resolves, and it may be that shoulder stiffness after rotator cuff repair is part of the natural healing response and is not detrimental to repair, but rather, is beneficial and results in an intact repair.
Source: Arthroscopy - Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Editorial Commentary Source Type: research