Sling is Not-Inferior to Brace Immobilization Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of immobilizing the upper limb with a brace versus a less-constrained sling in the rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR), by documenting clinical and radiological results. ARCR was performed in 110 patients (54.9±8.3 years) randomized in group A, using a brace for 6 weeks after surgery (3 weeks day and night then 3 weeks only at night), and group B, using a simple sling for 2 weeks only. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months. Functional outcomes were: range of motion, strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), and Constant score (CMS). Pain was assessed with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS); and quality of life with the SF36 questionnaire. The primary outcome was the CMS at 6 months. At 6 months, a 3 Tesla MRI was performed to document the status of the rotator cuff repair. The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) was also analysed. Both groups A and B showed a worsening at 6 weeks and an improvement at 3 and 6 months of DASH and CMS, as well as a significant VAS decrease at every follow-up (p