2014 15th EFORT Congress: An abduction brace or a sling after arthroscopic cuff repair: The effects on pain and function. A randomized controlled trial

Forty patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomized to 6 weeks of immobilization using either an abduction brace or an antirotation sling. The purpose was to determine if the abduction brace could reduce early postoperative pain in these patients. Follow-up for pain was conducted over the first 6 postoperative weeks, and at 3 and 6 months. Function outcomes, range of motion, and satisfaction were also assessed at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. The results demonstrated no significant differences between groups in any outcome measurement. Ultrasound performed at 12 weeks revealed no retears in either group.