Application of musculoskeletal ultrasound in postoperative rehabilitation assessment and monitoring after rotator cuff repair: A systematic review.
PLoS OneSep 8, 2026 (epub)
Ying Shi, Yi Bao, Chuanxiong Li
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the role of musculoskeletal ultrasound in rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair, analyzing 11 studies. It found that shear wave velocity (SWV) increased by approximately 22% to 25% from one week to 12 months post-surgery, indicating its potential as a benchmark for rehabilitation progress and re-tear risk assessment.
Key findings
- Shear wave velocity (SWV) increased by approximately 22% to 25% from one week to 12 months postoperatively.
- Elevated SWV in the early postoperative period was linked to a higher risk of re-tear.
- Tendon stiffness at 12 weeks post-surgery predicted long-term return to sport.
- Changes in cross-sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI) correlated positively with shoulder function scores.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the potential of musculoskeletal ultrasound as an objective tool for monitoring rehabilitation progress and assessing re-tear risk, which could lead to more tailored rehabilitation strategies and improved patient outcomes after rotator cuff repair.