Is it necessary to use a sling or abduction pillow sling after superior rotator cuff repair? A preliminary report.

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of the use of a shoulder sling, shoulder sling with a pillow, or not using a sling on the shoulder functional score and pain levels following arthroscopic rotator cuff tear repair.

Patients and methods: This randomized prospective study was performed with 90 patients (49 males, 41 females; mean age: 56.2±12.2 year; range, 33 to 77 years) with a small-to-mid, full-thickness rotator cuff tear between July 2020 and October 2022. All patients underwent arthroscopic double-row repair. The nonsling group wore no sling, the sling group wore a sling, and the abduction pillow sling group wore a sling with an abduction pillow. The same rehabilitation program was performed. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Constant-Murley scores, and degrees of flexion and abduction were recorded preoperatively, on the 15^th and 45^th days, and at three months, six months, and one year.

Results: On the 15^th postoperative day, the VAS score was found to be significantly lower in the nonsling group. On the 45^th day, the Constant-Murley score was found to be significantly higher in the abduction pillow sling group. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the Constant-Murley scores at three weeks, six months, and one year. The shoulder forward flexion angle was significantly lower in the nonsling group on the 45^th day. There was no significant difference between the three groups in respect of the shoulder forward flexion at three months, six months, and one year.

Conclusion: No difference was determined between the groups at the six-month and one-year functional results. Not using a sling bandage can be recommended by reducing pain in the early postoperative period.