Can an “old” treatment find new life for rotator cuff repair treatment? #AAOS #Health #Seattle

A study that was presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has demonstrated that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may reduce the pain scores and opioid use after rotator cuff repairs.  In this study, 37 patients were randomized to use either an active or a sham TENS unit during the first week after a rotator cuff repair.  
Electrical stimulation for pain control was first used in ancient Rome.  The first modern, patient wearable TENS unit was patented in the United States in 1974.  It was initially used for chronic pain patients but its use has expanded to other areas.

TENS unit

Following  arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the use of a TENS unit during the first postoperative week was associated with significantly lower pain scores and opioid pain medication use when compared to patients who received the sham TENS unit.

I have used the this treatment  as part of my shoulder pain protocol after rotator cuff repair surgery with good results.  I continue to research ways to decrease postoperative pain and improve the overall outcomes of my patients after shoulder surgery.  The study is encouraging and may provide an inexpensive and safe way of improving pain control after surgery.