Objectives: To measure short-term post surgery glenohumeral internal and external rotation strength, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and subjective self-report ratings following arthroscopic superior labral (SLAP) repair.
Background: Physical therapists provide rehabilitation for patients following arthroscopic repair of the superior labrum. Little research has been published regarding the short-term results of this procedure while the patient is typically under the direct care of the physical therapist.
Methods: Charts from 39 patients (7 females and 32 males) with a mean age of 43.4±14.9 years following SLAP repair were reviewed. All patients underwent rehabilitation by the same therapist using a standardized protocol and were operated on and referred by the same orthopaedic surgeon. Retrospective chart review was performed to obtain descriptive profiles of shoulder ROM at 6 and 12 weeks post surgery and isokinetically documented internal and external rotation strength 12 weeks post surgery.
Results: At 12 weeks post-surgery, involved shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation active ROM values were 2-6 degrees greater than the contralateral, non-involved extremity. Isokinetic internal and external rotation strength deficits of 7-11% were found as compared to the uninjured extremity. Patients completed the self-report section of the Modified American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons Rating Scale and scored a mean of 37/45 points.
Conclusion: The results of this study provide objective data for both glenohumeral joint ROM and rotator cuff strength following superior labral repair at time points during which the patient is under the direct care of the physical therapist. These results show a nearly complete return of active ROM and muscular strength following repair of the superior labrum and post-operative physical therapy.