The Efficacy of Laser Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background The rotator cuff plays a significant role in the static and dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint. Rotator cuff tears may occur after shoulder dislocations, whether in younger athletes or older patients with age- related tendon degeneration. Untreated tears may cause persistent pain, dysfunction, instability, and degenerative changes. A thorough understanding of when to look for rotator cuff tears after shoulder dislocations and how best to manage them may decrease patients’ pain and improve function. Questions/purposes We systematically reviewed the available literature to better understand (1) when a rotator cuff tear should be suspected after a dislocation, (2) whether surgical or nonsurgical approaches result in better scores for pain and satisfaction in patients with rotator cuff tears resulting from shoulder dislocations, and (3) whether intraarticular lesions, rotator cuff tears, or both should be addressed when surgery is performed. Methods We systematically searched MEDLINE1, CI- NAHL, and EMBASE for studies published from 1950 to 2012. We included studies reporting outcomes after treat- ment in patients with rotator cuff tears and shoulder