Evaluating postoperative outcomes of arthroscopic rotator interval release after rotator cuff repair: a randomized prospective trial

Abstract

Background

Simultaneous rotator interval release is not classically performed during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). However, concurrent rotator interval release has been anecdotally reported to facilitate less propensity for postoperative shoulder stiffness. The purpose of our investigation was to compare outcomes of pain and stiffness among patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR with and without concomitant rotator interval release.

Methods

A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted between September 2018 and April 2021. Outcomes including visual analog scale, narcotic usage, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, active forward flexion, and active external rotation range of motion measurements were obtained at 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and at the most recent follow-up postoperatively.

Results

A total of 83 patients were prospectively enrolled and randomized into RCR with rotator interval vs. without interval release. The postoperative temporal association between the visual analog scale score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and average narcotic pain tablet use did not depend on group assignment (P = .990, P = .760, and P = .700, respectively). Similarly, the association between time point and active forward flexion and active external rotation range of motion did not depend on group assignment (P = .300 and P = .630, respectively).

Conclusion

Arthroscopic rotator interval release during RCR showed no statistically significant difference in short-term or long-term postoperative pain or range of motion outcomes compared with control.