Postoperative care

The rehabilitation was standardized in both groups. The operated arm was placed in a sling, in internal rotation, for 4 weeks, with elevation up to 90°, external rotation to neutral position and only isometric exercises were allowed. Then, for another 4 weeks, a progression to full range of movement was initiated, with formal physiotherapy and isokinetic strengthening. After 8 weeks, once the strength was symmetrical and comparable to the other arm, dynamic weights and further conditioning for return to sport were supervised. Contact sports activities were not allowed usually until the third month, or until (i) the operated shoulder was pain-free; (iii) there no apprehension clinically; and (iii) a trial of contact in training was successful.