Compliance with Sling-Wearing after Rotator Cuff Repair and Anterior Shoulder Stabilization

Abstract

Background Compliance with postoperative sling immobilization after shoulder surgery has not been previously studied. In the present study, we examined the compliance with sling-wearing in patients who had had either undergone anterior stabilization or rotator cuff repair. Methods Patients who had undergone either an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair or shoulder stabilization anonymously answered a detailed standardized questionnaire regarding sling-wearing. Routine postoperative instructions require patients to wear a sling for 3 weeks after repair of a small or medium-sized rotator cuff tear, 4 weeks after anterior stabilization of the shoulder and 6 weeks after repair of a large or massive rotator cuff tear. All patients were contacted within 6 months of surgery. Results Older patients were more likely to be compliant with postoperative instructions, as were patients who had longer periods of acute pain requiring oral analgesia. There was no difference in compliance between patients who had a small rotator cuff tear and those who had a large rotator cuff tear. Nor was there any difference between open and arthroscopic shoulder stabilization groups. Discussion In the present study, despite written instructions regarding sling-wearing, there were differences between patient groups with regard to compliance with sling-wearing instructions.