Long-term post-operating functionality of rotator cuff repair

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess, late, the functionality of patients undergoing surgery to repair the rotator cuff. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study performed at the UNISA Orthopedics and Rheumatology clinic, approved by the ethics committee followed by CAAE 07824918.0.0000.0081. The sample consisted of individuals who underwent rotator cuff repair for at least two years and who have already undergone postoperative rehabilitation. For the evaluation, a specific self-report questionnaire was applied to assess rotator cuff dysfunctions, the WORC, and the FIT-HaNSA test, a functional test that consists of performing 3 tasks that require the elevation of the upper limb. RESULTS: A convenience sample of 9 individuals participated in this study, of both genders (5 men and 4 women) with a mean age of 54.1 years (± 3.4 years). The results in all the tasks of the FIT-HaNSA test, showed a greater functional deficit in the operated limb compared to the contralateral limb. In the WORC questionnaire, the sample subjects showed better scores as the post-surgical time increased. CONCLUSION: Although sample participants demonstrate better results in WORC over time, in the functionality test it was observed that patients undergoing rotator cuff repair have a long-term deficit in functionality, even after undergoing rehabilitation.