Effect of Atrophy on Optimal Post-operative Shoulder Immobilization Postures following Simulated Surgical Repair of Supraspinatus Tears

Rotator cuff tears are highly prevelant, afflicting approximately 20% of the population [1]. Rotator cuff tears often lead to atrophy of the injured muscle(s), which has been associated with poor functional outcomes [2]. Surgical repair is commonly performed, followed by a period of shoulder immobilization by means of an orthosis. The purpose of the immobilization is to protect the integrity of the repair during the immediate post-operative period. There is, however, no consensus on the best postures for post-operative shoulder immobilization, and furthermore, the effect, if any, of muscle atrophy on the postures. The purpose of this work was to simulate supraspinatus tears with varying degrees of muscle atrophy to determine the effect of atrophy on optimal postoperative shoulder immobilization postures.