Relationship between strength and functional indexes (Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores) after shoulder surgical stabilization by the Latarjet technique.

INTRODUCTION

The rotator cuff muscles help stabilize the glenohumeral joint. Postoperative recovery of rotator cuff muscle strength appears to be an important factor for optimal joint stabilization and the resumption of professional and/or sports activities.

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between internal rotator (IR) and external rotator (ER) muscle strength, shoulder function and the resumption of sports activities (as typically evaluated with functional scores) following surgical stabilization with the Bristow-Latarjet procedure in cases of chronic shoulder instability.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with anterior, post-traumatic, chronic shoulder instability were included prospectively in a cohort study. The Rowe and Walch-Duplay functional scores were rated for the operated shoulder and the isokinetic IR and ER peak torque values were evaluated with a Con-Trex(®) dynamometer before surgery and then 3, 6 and 21 months afterwards. The isokinetic evaluation was performed (at 180°/s, 120°/s and 60°/s) in the seated position, with the arms in 45° of abduction and 30° of antepulsion in the plane of the scapula.

RESULTS

There were no significant postoperative correlations between shoulder function (as judged by the Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores) and IR or ER muscle strength.

CONCLUSION

This study did not provide evidence for a correlation between IR and ER muscle strength and functional scores after surgical stabilization of the shoulder. However, it is necessary to objectively measure the rotator cuff strength recovery to adequate the strengthening of rotator muscle prior to the resumption of sports activities. Isokinetic strength assessment may thus be a valuable decision support tool for the resumption of sports activities and would complement the functional scores studied here.