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Introduction
Every year, approximately 200,000 Americans require shoulder surgery for rotator cuff repair, making it the most common of all shoulder surgeries [1]. A rotator cuff tear typically occurs from the overuse of the tendons and muscles that attach the humerus to the shoulder blade [2]. Since rotator cuff injuries vary in severity and complexity, a consistent post-surgical treatment is difficult to provide [2-3]. Furthermore, the rotator cuff tendon is extremely susceptible to re-injury, making the rehabilitation process crucial to a complete recovery [3].
Problem Statement
An important stage of post-surgical rehabilitation protocol is strengthening, in which the external rotation and abduction movements are emphasized with resistance training [3]. However, these movements are two common exercises in which re-injury occurs due to over-extension, a lack of knowledge of the patient’s body limitations or inadequate performance of these exercises [4-5]. A device is needed such that the patient can perform these exercises without re-injuring themselves. The purpose of the device is to provide safer means of performing prescribed rehabilitation exercises by physically prohibiting the user from exceeding his or her capabilities. The user activity will be monitored since the device will communicate session activities to a physical therapist so regimen adjustments can be made as necessary, and each user can heal at their own rate.
References
1. McElvany, Matthew D., Erik McGoldrick, Albert O. Gee, Moni Blazej Neradilek, and Frederick Matsen III. “Rotator Cuff Repair – Published Evidence on Factors Associated With Repair Integrity and Clinical Outcome.” The American Journal of Sports Medicine. N.p., 21 April 2014.
2. “Rotator Cuff Tears.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. 2015.
3. Dirk Kokmeyer, and Peter J. Millett. “Rehabilitation After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Current Concepts Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. Sports Physical Therapy Section, n.d. Web. 03 Mar. 2015.
4. TCNJ Athletic Trainer (Megan Guicheteau) – Interviewed on 9/10/2015
5. Anonymous, Licensed Physical Therapist – Interviewed on 9/14/2015