Abstract
Introduction: Rotator cuff problems may account for up to 70% of shoulder pain as well as limitation of motion and function. Treatment for rotator cuff injuries and tears includes supportive care as the first line and surgical intervention as the second line. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of open rotator cuff repair on pain intensity and shoulder function in patients who are candidates for surgery.
Materials & Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 37 patients who had undergone open shoulder surgery were studied with an average follow-up of 11 months (2-42 months). Age, gender, pain levels, tear size, duration of the tear, range of motion (ROM), and patient function were recorded in a checklist before surgery. Postoperative ROM and function were also documented. Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and function was assessed by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. The data obtained from the questionnaires and checklists were analyzed using SPSS v.26 software.
Results & Discussion: The analysis of mean function, pain, abduction, and internal and external rotation of the shoulder before and after surgery showed improvement in all the cases, the clinical status of the patients improved (p < 0.05). shoulder function improved but did not reach a score of100, while the patients experienced a reduction in pain, but did not reach zero. there was an overall increase in range of motion, this increase was more pronounced in internal rotation and abduction movements.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggests that, if conservative treatment fails and when there is no major contraindication for surgery, the patients should be offered, open rotator cuff repair in order to enhance quality of life.