Timing of return of subscapularis function in open capsular shift patients

Loss of subscapularis function can be a significant complication after any surgery that involves its tenotomy. Recently, this complication has received more recognition after anterior approaches for shoulder replacement. It is unclear, however, whether this occurs in younger patients, and if so, how long it persists postoperatively. This study investigated the time it takes for subscapularis function to return after open tenotomy in young patients with instability. Sixteen consecutive patients underwent an anterior stabilization procedure for glenohumeral instability in which the subscapularis was taken down to perform an anterior capsular shift. Each patient was followed up prospectively for return of subscapularis function as determined by the belly-press and lift-off tests. The average time for subscapularis function to return was 8.4 weeks for the lift-off test and 8.8 weeks for the belly-press test. All patients had a negative belly-press test by 12 weeks and a negative lift-off test by 20 weeks.