Functional Recovery After Rotator Cuff Repair: The Role of Biceps Surgery

Context: Surgical cuff repair is recommended in a full-thickness rotator cuff tear when nonoperative treatment fails. Surgical cuff repair can include surgery of the long head of the biceps when concomitant biceps pathology is present. However, the studies executed up till now have not yet clearly defined if additional biceps surgery affects the shoulder functionality in patients who underwent rotator cuff repair. Objective: To verify if the concomitant biceps surgery prejudices shoulder functionality during the short-term period in rotator cuff repair patients. Design: Prospective and observational study. Setting: Outpatient service for rehabilitation. Patients: Ninety-three consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for full-thickness symptomatic rotator cuff tear were enrolled for rehabilitation; 25 underwent rotator cuff repair and tendon biceps surgery (ABS), while 68 underwent rotator cuff repair only (RCR). Interventions: Motor rehabilitation after surgical treatment of rotator cuff repair. Mea...