Accelerated rehabilitation after arthroscopic Bankart repair for selected cases: a prospective randomized clinical study.
OBJECTIVE
Increased stress within a certain limit enhances ligament healing and improves joint function. In this prospective randomized clinical trial, we compared the clinical results of early motion versus conventional immobilization after arthroscopic Bankart repair in a selected patient population.


METHODS
Prospective randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
We performed an arthroscopic Bankart repair using suture anchors in 62 patients with traumatic recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder. Patients were randomized into 2 groups; group 1 (28 patients; mean age, 28 years) was managed with 3 weeks of immobilization using an abduction sling and conventional rehabilitation program, and group 2 (34 patients; mean age, 29 years) was managed with an accelerated rehabilitation program that consisted of staged range of motion and strengthening exercises from the immediate postoperative day. Selection criteria were nonathletes with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation and a classic Bankart lesion with a robust labrum limited to 1 cm from the midglenoid notch. The patients were followed up for a mean of 31 months (range, 27 to 45 months; standard deviation, 9 months). Analysis of outcome included pain scores at 6 weeks and at final follow-up evaluation, range of motion, return to activity, recurrence rate, patient satisfaction with each rehabilitation program, and shoulder scores assessed by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Index, the rating system of the University of California at Los Angeles, and another scoring system.


RESULTS
The recurrence rate was not different between the 2 groups (P =.842). None of the groups developed recurrent dislocation. Two patients from each group were positive for anterior apprehension signs. Patients who underwent accelerated rehabilitation resumed functional range of motion faster (P <.001) and returned earlier to the functional level of activity (P <.001). Accelerated rehabilitation decreased postoperative pain (P =.013), and more patients were satisfied with this program (P <.001). Shoulder scores, return to activity, pain score, and range of motion were not different between the 2 groups at the final follow-up evaluation (P >.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Early mobilization of the operated shoulder after arthroscopic Bankart repair does not increase the recurrence rate in a selected group of patients. Although the final outcomes are approximately the same for both groups, the accelerated rehabilitation program promotes functional recovery and reduces postoperative pain, which allows patients an early return to desired activities.
Kim
Seung-Ho
SH
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, South Korea.
Ha
Kwon-Ick
KI
Jung
Min-Wook
MW
Lim
Moon-Sup
MS
Kim
Young-Min
YM
Park
Jong-Hyuk
JH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012008:Recurrence; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome