Systematic review of rotator cuff tears in workers' compensation patients

The burden imposed by workplace rotator cuff (RC) injuries has been reasonably defined. However, literature associated with the demographic characteristics and 'best practices' to manage such injuries among workers' compensation (WC) patients is scant.

To consolidate the existing literature on full-thickness RC tears among WC patients. Subject, shoulder and injury characteristics were examined to determine if and how WC recipients may differ from their non-compensable counterparts.

A systematic search (databases, clinical practice guideline web resources, conference proceedings and reference lists) revealed 450 abstracts. Two blinded reviewers independently assessed abstracts for inclusion. Sixty abstracts were subsequently included in a blinded full manuscript review. Seventeen of these manuscripts (3.8% of sample; 11 intervention and 6 determinant) were included in the present review.

Previous studies demonstrate that operative interventions are appropriate for full-thickness RC tears as substantial gains in range of motion, strength and quality of life were witnessed within the first post-operative year. Non-operative interventions, including workplace-based work hardening, physical therapy and the use of an early referral system, were shown to improve outcomes. Conflicting results exist with respect to determinants such as age and sex. Importantly, WC patients had consistently poorer outcomes than non-WC patients.

Our results show that although WC patients experience substantial benefits from various treatments for full-thickness RC tears, disparities exist between them and their non-WC counterparts. The lack of WC-specific literature limited our results. Larger studies, particularly ones comparing WC patients with their non-compensable counterparts, are crucial to allow for future evidence-based recommendations.