Surgeon-Therapist Communication Must Be Improved in Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation: An Electronic Survey of Physical Therapists on Postoperative Rehabilitation Protocols and Communication with Treating Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on postoperative rotator cuff repair protocols in orthopedic or physical therapy literature. Despite surgical management, the frequency of rotator cuff retears continues to be high.

OBJECTIVES: This study is designed to investigate the current concepts of postoperative rehabilitation and to evaluate the state of communication between referring surgeons and treating physical therapists.

METHODS: A survey was conducted over a 2-year period, performed by an online survey company.

RESULTS: Six hundred responses were obtained from physical therapists. Most rehab protocols were based on size of tear, tissue quality, and open versus arthroscopic repair. Current intervention concepts and professional experience guided protocol development. Thirty-three percent of therapists receive operative notes ≤ 25% of the time. Sixteen percent reported not receiving operative notes and not having access to the physician >50% of the time. Most patients were seen within 2 weeks, with passive range of motion started in 83% of cases. Sixty percent started active-assist range of motion at ≤ 4 weeks. Sixty-four percent of therapy was continued for 12 to 16 weeks. Patient compliance, poor tissue quality, and rapid rehab progression were reported as common causes of failure.

CONCLUSION: Most rehabilitation programs follow protocols developed by surgeons and physical therapists. Tissue quality, size of tear, and repair type are usually documented in the operative report, and are rarely conveyed to the therapist. This study highlights the lack of communication between the physician and the therapist. Improving communication regarding the findings at surgery, opening lines of communication, and making alterations to the protocol may improve patient outcomes.