Rotator Cuff Repair
Mini-open / Arthroscopic + arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression
On Ward:
- Sling for 4-6/52.
- Day 1 on ward. Physiotherapist to start passive and gentle active-assisted (dependant on post-op instructions) external rotation to neutral, elevation in internal rotation to 90° as pain allows.
- Maintenance elbow, wrist, hand and neck exercises (this may be taught to relative as appropriate).
- Posture and scapula setting.
- Washing techniques and sling advice/management.
- Review by clinical specialist at ~2/52 post-op in clinical specialist shoulder clinic at RSH, to be booked before discharged by ward staff.
2-6 weeks:
- As control and pain allows progress assisted elevation into neutral, <4/52 0-90° then progress>90°
- Early neutral isometric cuff work may be advised after 3/52 dependent upon repair done
- Outpatient physiotherapy may increase joint range with passive and active-assisted techniques after 4/52. If the joint is becoming tight, accessory mobilisations and soft tissue techniques can be applied.
- Milestone at 6 weeks: Active assisted ROM equal to pre-op level as pain allows.
6 weeks +:
- > 6/52progress to full ROM actively if pain allows.
- 6-12/52. Active/light resistance cuff retraining through range and full function
- >12/52. Full power of cuff through range and functional rehabilitation to include proprioceptive training.
Ensure good quality scapulo:humeral movement patterns through range - Patient has follow-up appointments in shoulder clinic at 6/52, 3/12 and 9/12.
Return to work: Sedentary 3-6 weeks (as pain allows). Physical 3-6 months (as pain allows).
Driving: 6 weeks (as pain and range allows) patient confirms they are able to drive safely.
Sport: Non contact 6 months. Contact: 9 months to 1 year
Swimming: Gentle with modified stroke 8-10 weeks. Freestyle 12-16 weeks
Click on the links below to read the guidelines for individual procedures:
- Arthroscopic Sub-Acromial Decompression
- Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression + Arthroscopic Excision of Distal Clavicle (ACJt resection)
- Anterior Stabilisation (open or arthroscopic)
- SLAP repair – arthroscopic
- Acromio Clavicular Joint Reconstruction
- Anatomical Shoulder arthroplasty – Hemi arthroplasty (HA) or Total Shoulder Replacement (TSR)
- Arthroscopic Capsular Release and MUA of Frozen Shoulder
- ORIF Clavicle / Hook Plate Clavicle
- ORIF proximal humeral fractures – (Proximal Humeral Locking Plate)
- ORTHO SPACE (In space Implantation)
- Physiotherapy Protocol for REVERSE Total Shoulder Replacement