An evaluation of physiotherapeutic rehabilitation in the treatment of patients with massive rotator cuff tears

Methods: Patients identified through primary and secondary care referrals to physiotherapy with a clinical diagnosis of a massive rotator cuff tear underwent an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. A massive rotator cuff tear was one where the leading edge of the tear was retracted past the glenoid margin. The clinical diagnosis was based on the presence of some or all of the following signs, positive humeral thrust on elevation, gross weakness and wasting of the supraspinatous and infraspinatous, infraspinatous lag and rupture of the long head of biceps. Eligible patients were invited to take part in the study and informed consent was obtained. The baseline assessment was carried out and then the patient undertook the treatment programme. Outcome measures were reassessed 12 weeks from the baseline assessment.

Design: A cohort study of 10 patients evaluating the change from baseline to twelve weeks in the shoulder function of patients undergoing a programme of anterior deltoid strengthening and functional rehabilitation. The outcome measures used were the Oxford shoulder disability questionnaire and SF36. The Oxford shoulder disability questionnaire is validated for use with the UK population and has 12 questions with 5 point responses. The lowest (best) core is 12 and the highest (worse) score is 60.

Results: Scores on the Oxford shoulder disability questionnaire improved with all patients. The mean improvement was 9 (range 3 to 16, standard deviation 10.3). The SF36 showed an improvement in the pain scores for all patients (mean 22 points) and an overall improvement of 10 points for the sections on role limitation due to physical health. There was an overall decline in perceived general health (9 points) and in role limitation due to emotional health (23 points).