Adduction Manipulation of the Glenohumeral Joint versus Physiotherapy for Atraumatic Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Atraumatic rotator cuff tears (ARCTs) are frequently concomitant with adduction restriction of the glenohumeral joint (GHJ). Adduction manipulation (AM) removes the restriction and relieves pain. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of AM versus physiotherapy (PT) in ARCTs. Methods: Eighty-eight patients with adduction restriction were allocated to the AM and PT groups (n = 44 per group). The glenohumeral adduction angle (GAA) was calculated using X-rays at the first and last follow-up appointments. We recorded pain severity (visual analog scale, VAS), flexion, abduction, external rotation (ER), internal rotation (IR), and American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) and Constant scores at baseline and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12- month follow-ups. Results: Forty-three patients (23 males, average age 71.3 years) in the AM group and 41 (16 males, average age 70.7 years) in the PT group were consequently analyzed. At the 1-month follow-up, VAS, shoulder motion except ER, ASES and Constant scores were much better in the AM group than in the PT group, whereas those in the PT group improved gradually up to 12 months. At the final follow-up, flexion, abduction, and Constant score were significantly better in the AM group than in the PT group. The GAA at the initial and final examinations was −21.6° and −3.2°, respectively, in the AM group, and −21.1° and −14.4°, respectively, in the PT group. Conclusions: The AM procedure, which had better clinical efficacy than PT, is recommended as the first conservative treatment option for ARCTs.