Quantitative analysis of peak torque and power-velocity characteristics of shoulder rotator muscles after arthroscopic labral repair.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to use biomechanical testing to assess differences in the power and strength of patients who participated in a short-term, home-based rehabilitation program following arthroscopic labral repair compared with a healthy control group.

DESIGN: The functional outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic labral repair followed by self-directed short-term rehabilitation at home were compared with age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls.

METHODS: Group I included 20 male patients who had undergone arthroscopic labral repair after being diagnosed with recurrent anterior glenohumeral joint instability without bony lesions of the humeral head or glenoid. Postoperatively, they participated in physical therapy for 17±4 appointments, followed by self-guided home-based exercises. Group II included 25 males without injuries. The two groups were matched for age and BMI. The orthopaedic examination, functional tests, and biomechanical measurements were performed under isokinetic conditions at an average of 16±3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in range of shoulder rotation on the operative shoulder compared with the unaffected side and in the dominant arms of the control group. The patients were also found to have significant deficits in biomechanical parameters such as power and peak torque angle.

CONCLUSIONS: Significant deficits in peak torque, power, and peak torque angle during external and internal shoulder rotation remained up to 16 months after arthroscopic labral repair. Further research is needed to understand the changes in shoulder power assessment after labral repair.