Abstract
Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is one of the most common shoulder disorders in orthopaedic surgery. When conservative treatment fails, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) has become the most common procedure to achieve a functional shoulder. Success of rotator cuff repair on athletes is measured by their capability to return to sports (RTS) and return to play (RTP).
Most athletes were able to return to the state of preinjury level of play after arthroscopic RCR. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has rate of RTS in 75% of patients within an average of 6.4 months. Recreational sports participants was associated with higher rate of RTS, up to more than 90%, even on the patients aged >40 years old. On the contrary, competitive sports and overhead sports athletes were associated with lower rate of RTS. Of all athletes who RTS, only around half of them returned to the equivalent or a higher level of competition. Professional overhead athletes are at higher risk of not returning to their prior level of play. The trends can be observed on performance decline among professional baseball players who underwent RTS. Study on professional football players found no significance difference in RTP rates, performance score, or career longevity between operative and nonoperative group.
There are some criteria for RTP after RTS following RCR, namely: time from surgery, pain, range of motion, functional recovery, proprioception, strength and muscular balance, patient perception, psychological readiness, sport-specific training program. Customized rehab protocols for large to massive rotator cuff repairs and patients at increased risk of stiffness should be considered.