Does immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair increase tendon healing? A systematic review and meta‑analysis

Data from 3 randomized controlled trials (265 patients) investigating early passive motion versus immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was pooled in this meta-analysis in order to determine which rehabilitation protocol led to superior postoperative tendon healing. The pooled analysis revealed there were no significant differences between early passive motion and postoperative immobilization with respect to tendon healing or clinical outcomes, but early passive motion was associated with increased external rotation at 6 months, however, this improvement was not maintained at 1 year.