Prospective observational study of daily upper-limbs activities following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using triaxial accelerometers: Recovery process and relationship with preoperative clinical parameters.

Abstract

Background: Following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR), upper-limb movement must be restricted during the early postoperative phase. However, the postoperative recovery process of daily upper-limb use and its relationship with preoperative parameters remain unclear. We investigated the postoperative recovery process of the operated limb use following ARCR quantitatively using triaxial accelerometers and examined its relationship with preoperative parameters.

Methods: We evaluated bilateral upper-limb use in daily activities using triaxial accelerometers in 21 patients who underwent ARCR. Measurements were performed immediately before the surgery and at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Twenty healthy adults served as the controls. Additionally, correlations with preoperative clinical scores, active range of motion, muscle strength, and pain were investigated.

Results: The frequency of upper-limb use showed no significant differences between the operated and non-operated limbs from the preoperative to 12 months postoperatively. The intensity of upper-limb use in the operated limb was significantly lower than that in the non-operated limb and controls at the preoperative, 2 and 3months. These differences were resolved 6 months postoperatively. Regarding preoperative parameters, postoperative intensity particularly correlated with shoulder flexion and muscle strength.

Conclusion: Following ARCR, the intensity of upper-limb use should be increased progressively, as additional time may be needed for intensity recovery. Furthermore, maintaining preoperative shoulder flexion may promote postoperative daily upper-limb activities. These findings suggest that clinicians may consider monitoring the intensity of upper-limb use in daily living following ARCR and maintaining shoulder flexion through preoperative rehabilitation.