title: Does immobilization position after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair impact work quality or comfort?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to quantify subjective discomfort and decrease in working performance in patients submitted to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  We enrolled 101 asymptomatic administrative employees (mean age 55). Subjects were asked to write a text using Microsoft Word and to make a table using Microsoft Excel, with and without shoulder braces which kept the right shoulder in neutral (brace A) and internal rotation (brace B). Total time needed to complete the tests and number of mistakes committed were annotated. Furthermore, a questionnaire to assess the subjective and interpersonal discomfort caused by the braces was compiled. Data were submitted to statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  When any brace is worn, both times and mistakes are higher than those registered without brace (p < 0.02). Both times and mistakes are higher for brace B in comparison with brace A (p < 0.02). Subjects wearing brace B had a severe/very severe discomfort degree three times higher than that registered in subjects wearing brace A. Finally, 91 % of subjects preferred brace A to brace B.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If the choice of the brace is not supported by biological or clinical advantages, we recommend to use the brace that keeps the arm at the side, since it ensures better working performance and lower discomfort. It also received the greatest satisfaction of the respondents.
  
  
  METHODS
  IV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro No.5, 00185, Rome, Italy. s.gumina@tiscali.it.|Department of Mathematics, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy. s.gumina@tiscali.it.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gumina
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro No.5, 00185, Rome, Italy.|Department of Mathematics, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Candela
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro No.5, 00185, Rome, Italy.|Department of Mathematics, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Passaretti
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro No.5, 00185, Rome, Italy.|Department of Mathematics, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mariani
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro No.5, 00185, Rome, Italy.|Department of Mathematics, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Orsina
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods; D001915:Braces; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Post-operative shoulder immobilization; Post-operative subjective discomfort; Post-operative work performance; Rotator cuff repair; Shoulder brace; Shoulder sling