Shoulder strength following surgical rotator cuff repair: a comparative analysis using isokinetic testing

Although previous studies have been conducted to ascertain the outcome of rotator cuff repair, the greatest majority have utilized subjective evaluation. The purpose of this study was to objectively compare the strength, as determined isokinetically, of the muscles around the shoulder complex a minimum of 1 year following surgical rotator cuff repair. Twenty-four subjects from two geographically separate university centers participated. Bilateral isokinetic comparisons were made of the subjects' ability to perform flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and internal/external rotation. Paired t-tests were used to analyze the deficiencies encountered for the shoulder flexors, abductors, and external rotators, while the sign test was used to analyze the comparisons for the remaining movement patterns. Significant deficits were only found in the shoulder flexors and external rotators. All other movement patterns were not significant. It was interesting to note that although objective differences were found across the shoulders, no complaints or weakness were expressed by the patients. This is explained by a lessening of intensity among these elderly patients. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1992;15(5):215-222.