Clinical Commentary: Rehabilitation Following Subscapularis Tendon Repair

Review written by Robin Kerr info

Key Points

  1. Subscapularis tendon repairs, although less common that other rotator cuff repairs, need specific input to ensure restoration of internal rotation and anterior shoulder stability
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this clinical commentary was to provide an evidence-based protocol for postoperative rehabilitation following subscapularis (SSC) tendon repair. SSC tears have been reported in up to 37% of patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery (1), however detailed clinical rehabilitation literature is sparse. Despite SSC tendon tears being less common than other rotator cuff tears, the importance of subscapularis for internal rotation and anterior shoulder stabilization mandates safe and effective postoperative rehabilitation. This paper reinforces the need for staged progression through rehabilitation in tandem with tissue healing phases (2).

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Clinical Tests for SSC Integrity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WwXSuhu_t8&feature=youtu.be

5 Phase SSC Repair Rehabilitation Guidelines The rehabilitation program was divided into 5 phases taking into consideration the biology of healing, any underlying pathology and integrity of the repair. Progression through each phase of rehabilitation was based on proposed criteria derived via merging time-based and performance-based principles (3,4).

PHASE 1: MAXIMAL PROTECTION

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