Self-Reported Outcomes in Early Postoperative Management After Shoulder Surgery Using a Home-Based Strengthening and Stabilization System With Telehealth

Abstract

Background: Multiple rehabilitation protocols after shoulder surgery have been proposed. The coronavirus pandemic adds an extra layer of complexity to postoperative rehabilitation after shoulder surgery. Hypothesis: The combined use of a home-based rehabilitation system, the Shoulder Strengthening and Stabilization System (SSS), and telehealth visits will lead to acceptable patient self-reported outcomes and satisfaction after shoulder surgery. Study Design: Prospective observational cohort. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: A total of 132 patients were prescribed SSS after shoulder surgery. A virtual clinical specialist monitored patients through telehealth visits as prescribed by the treating physician. Data were collected prospectively during each telehealth visit. Patients completed an exit survey during their last telehealth visit. Results: The use of SSS with telehealth revealed a positive impact on postoperative shoulder rehabilitation (96%), pain (71%), and stiffness (92%) as reported by patients. Both pain scores and pain medication use decreased from the 1st to 8th postoperative telehealth session ( P < 0.01). Nearly all (93%) patients recommended SSS after shoulder surgery upon completing the SSS protocol. Conclusion: Postoperative management of shoulder surgery with SSS combined with telehealth results in a reduction in patient pain levels in the early postoperative period. Patients reported high levels of improvement with SSS in shoulder rehabilitation, pain, and stiffness. The overwhelming majority (93%) of patients recommended SSS for postoperative shoulder rehabilitation and SSS yielded high patient satisfaction scores. Elucidating the impact of SSS on clinical outcomes and function in comparison with traditional rehabilitation protocols is warranted. Clinical Relevance: SSS in combination with telehealth was tolerated well by patients and may represent an alternative or adjunct to traditional rehabilitation protocols.

Postoperative Rehabilitation using Digital Healthcare System in Patients with Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The DR group participants reported high satisfaction levels with the use of the digital healthcare system in terms of real-time feedback, programs supported by experts, and rehabilitation service without transportation concerns. These ndings are in line with those of a previous study that showed a high satisfaction level with a home-based strengthening and stabilization system after shoulder surgery 30 .…”

When is a Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Indicated for a Rotator Cuff Tear?

“…Numerous studies have also studied aggressive versus increased immobilization protocols and have not demonstrated an advantage to one over the other. [14][15][16][17][18] Rehabilitation programs may be individualized to the patient depending on age, size of tear, and activity level of the patient. It takes 12 weeks for a rotator cuff tendon to heal completely to bone and develop Sharpey's fibers.…”

“…19 Complete rehabilitation and return to full activity often takes 4 to 6 months and may take up to 1 year. [14][15][16][17][18] Results vary and are correlated with the size of the tear and the age of the patient.…”

“…Icing and immobilization are done initially and rehabilitation may be a structured, detailed home program or in a supervised physical therapy setting. Numerous studies have also studied aggressive versus increased immobilization protocols and have not demonstrated an advantage to one over the other 14–18 . Rehabilitation programs may be individualized to the patient depending on age, size of tear, and activity level of the patient.…”

Digitalisierung und Telerehabilitation

“…Eine primäre physisch präsente Unterweisung des Patienten in sein physiotherapeutisches Nachsorgeschema in der erstbehandelnden Institution erscheint als Ausgangspunkt zur Einleitung der postoperativen Nachbehandlung nach einem Gelenkersatz sinnvoll [ 6 ]. Die Kombination aus analoger und digitaler Nachsorge scheint als ideale Ausgangsposition ein Zukunftspotenzial zu offerieren.…”