Rehabilitation after arthroscopic Bankart repair: a systematic scoping review identifying important evidence gaps

Evidence to develop best rehabilitation practices after Arthroscopic Bankart Repair (ABR) is lacking, leading to heterogeneity in rehabilitation approaches.

This systematic scoping review investigated current evidence for rehabilitation and associated outcomes following ABR, including rehabilitation parameters, evaluative approaches (outcomes/outcome measures, follow-up timing/duration).

A systematic search was performed of CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Embase databases in May 2019.

Prospective studies detailing rehabilitation protocols following ABR reporting at least one postoperative assessment within 1 year of surgery (to measure impact of rehabilitation) were included.

Two blinded reviewers independently selected studies using standardized criteria and extracted study characteristics and outcomes of interest. Quality of evidence was assessed using Joanna Brigg's quality assessment tool. A narrative analysis was conducted and evidence gaps were identified.

Nine studies evaluating 11 rehabilitation protocols with a total of 384 participants were included. Considerable variability was seen in rehabilitation protocols and evaluation parameters. Return to sports/activity was frequently measured, but not well-defined. Strengthening was an important component of rehabilitation protocols, but rarely reported as an outcome. Follow-up was variable, with 4 studies ending follow-up before 24-months postoperatively. Overall, patient outcomes improved postoperatively.

There is a paucity of evidence investigating the impact of rehabilitation approaches following ABR. Although patient outcomes improve after ABR, selected outcomes/measures are highly variable with limited evidence on those important to measure rehabilitation success, particularly strength and return to activity. Identified evidence gaps should be addressed in future research.