Shoulder conditions effectively treated without surgery

A recent Danish randomised controlled trial published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases looked at different treatments for rotator cuff (shoulder) injuries. They compared exercises from a physiotherapist with surgery (arthroscopic subacromial decompression). The physiotherapy involved exercises to strengthen the stabilisers and decompressors of the shoulder.

Patients were randomly assigned to either group. Outcomes measured included pain and function. At twelve months follow-up there were no significant differences in pain and function between the surgery and physiotherapy groups.

This is very useful information for treating doctors to consider when weighing up the benefits and risks of different forms of treatment. It is reassuring to see that exercise is effective for yet another musculoskeletal condition. It would have been interesting to see what a control group might have done not having had any treatment at all.

Please send any comments to Dr David Allen at david allen@qoh.com.au or ring 98977699.