Alterations in Spinal Alignment and Mobility in Individuals With Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Shoulder dysfunctions are thought to be predisposed by poor posture and muscle imbalances. The shoulder functionality could be limited or worsened by a restricted range of motion (ROM) of the spine. Evidence from studies evaluating both people with shoulder pain and asymptomatic participants indicates a relationship between a decreased thoracic kyphosis and an increased shoulder ROM. Therefore, a higher thoracic kyphosis may be linked to a lower ROM in the shoulder. Shoulder dysfunction becomes more common after the age of 40, and the relationship between spinal posture and shoulder dysfunction is crucially needed to be assessed.

The aim of this observational study was to the alterations in spinal alignment and mobility in individuals who have undergone RC surgery and revealed the differences compared to healthy individuals.

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with patients who underwent arthroscopic RM surgery and healthy volunteers.

Inclusion criteria

• those who had undergone the same arthroscopic RM surgical procedure and technique
• had undergone acromioplasty and/or tenodesis with RM repair
• had undergone arthroscopic RM surgery from the upper extremity of the dominant side;
• had completed six months following surgery; were able to perform active shoulder elevation movements of 90° or more
• were between the ages of 40 and 75
• were volunteers to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• who had undergone previous shoulder surgery or revision surgery, subscapularis tendon repair in addition to RM repair, scoliosis surgery, or any surgeries to limit spine motion, as well as those with a history of upper extremity fractures, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or chronic respiratory diseases that could limit the test's ability to be accomplished