Isokinetic and functional shoulder outcomes after arthroscopic capsulolabral stabilization

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Shoulder stability relies on dynamic (rotator cuff) and static stabilizers.
• Shoulder instability disrupts rotator cuff activity; capsulolabral repair addresses static stabilization.
• Assessing rotator cuff recovery post-surgery is vital for return to sport and work, yet isokinetic data is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare shoulder rotatory strength after arthroscopic capsulolabral repair for unilateral anterior traumatic instability.
• To clinically assess and compare pre- and post-operative shoulder function.

Main Methods:

• Forty-five patients (14 women, 31 men) with unilateral anterior traumatic shoulder instability underwent arthroscopic capsulolabral repair.
• Isokinetic testing of internal and external rotation strength at four angular velocities was performed bilaterally.
• American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores were collected pre- and post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Operated shoulders showed slightly lower peak moment and muscle power in external rotation compared to healthy shoulders.
• Total work in external rotation was significantly lower in the operated shoulder.
• Internal/external rotator muscle group balance was reduced in the operated shoulder for women.
• Both ASES and UCLA scores significantly improved post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic capsulolabral shoulder stabilization results in minor isokinetic differences, particularly in external rotation, impacting rotator muscle balance.
• Significant improvements in shoulder function and patient-reported outcomes (ASES, UCLA scores) are observed post-operatively.