The effect of concomitant coracohumeral ligament release in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to prevent postoperative stiffness: a retrospective comparative study

Purpose This study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of coracohumeral ligament (CHL) release from the coracoid process concomitant with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for preventing postoperative stiffness. Methods Data on patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were collected retrospectively. Propensity score matching (1-to-1) was performed between a no-releasing group (Group I) and CHL-releasing group (Group II). In total, 76 patients in each group were matched. Clinical outcomes were assessed and compared between the two groups, including range of motion (ROM) and visual analogue scale for pain (pVAS) at postoperative 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The integrity of the repaired tendon was assessed at 1-year follow-up using either magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography. Results External rotation (ER) at side at postoperative 3 months in Group II was better than that in Group I (48.6° ± 11.6° vs. 38.4° ± 13.0°, P