Levy O, Mullett H, Roberts S, Copeland S
This study prospectively assessed 17 patients with radiologically confirmed, nontraumatic, massive rotator cuff tears who were treated with an anterior deltoid rehabilitation program. All patients were medically unfit, with an average age of 80 years. Patients were given standard detailed instruction and an illustrated guide. A video recording of shoulder motion was made before and after treatment. The Constant score increased from a mean of 26 before treatment to a mean of 60 at a minimum of 9 months after treatment. Range of motion in forward elevation improved from a mean of 40 degrees at presentation to a mean of 160 degrees after the deltoid rehabilitation course.
This study recommends a structured deltoid rehabilitation program as suitable for elderly patients with massive rotator cuff tears.
J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2008, 17(6), 863-70
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