Postoperative stiffness and rotator cuff tendon healing: a narrative review

TL;DR

Shoulder stiffness after rotator cuff surgery might actually help tendon healing and reduce retear rates, according to recent findings.

Contribution

The paper highlights a potential positive role of shoulder stiffness in promoting tendon healing after surgery.

Findings

Elevated cytokine levels in shoulder stiffness suggest a stronger healing response.

Shoulder stiffness may be linked to lower retear rates after rotator cuff surgery.

Understanding stiffness mechanisms could lead to better post-surgery therapies.

Abstract

Range of motion restriction or shoulder stiffness is common in rotator cuff tear patients. Shoulder stiffness occurs both preoperatively and postoperatively and contributes to patient dissatisfaction. However, recent studies have suggested that shoulder stiffness may be associated with a greater healing response and lower retear rate. Elevated levels of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 in the joint fluid, synovial tissue, and subacromial bursa of patients with shoulder stiffness suggests an increased healing response following tendon injury. Understanding the mechanisms underlying tendon healing and the development of shoulder stiffness may aid in the development of novel therapies to improve outcomes following rotator cuff surgery.

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