During the 0-6 week postoperative period after SLAP repair, which ROM is specified?

During the 0-6 week postoperative period after SLAP repair, which ROM is specified?

• A. PROM to AAROM flexion/extension 0-135°, ER at side 0-30°.
• B. Full ROM with external rotation at 90°.
• C. No ROM restrictions at all.
• D. Only passive ROM is allowed for flexion.

Answer: (A)

Early after a SLAP repair, the goal is to protect the repair while gradually restoring motion. The superior labrum and biceps anchor are vulnerable to tension, especially with external rotation and abduction, so ROM is kept within safe limits during the 0-6 week period. Allowing motion within these limits achieves that balance: flexion and extension are guided passively to reach a range from 0 to about 135 degrees, and external rotation is allowed only with the arm at the side up to roughly 30 degrees, using active-assisted input as needed. This approach helps regain shoulder motion without placing stress on the repaired labrum, particularly avoiding provocative positions that place high tension on the biceps anchor. Other options would either push the repair too far too soon (full ROM with ER at 90 degrees risks stressing the repair) or overly restrict motion (no ROM at all is not typical practice, and restricting flexion to passive only misses the appropriate early-assisted progression).

Early after a SLAP repair, the goal is to protect the repair while gradually restoring motion. The superior labrum and biceps anchor are vulnerable to tension, especially with external rotation and abduction, so ROM is kept within safe limits during the 0-6 week period.

Allowing motion within these limits achieves that balance: flexion and extension are guided passively to reach a range from 0 to about 135 degrees, and external rotation is allowed only with the arm at the side up to roughly 30 degrees, using active-assisted input as needed. This approach helps regain shoulder motion without placing stress on the repaired labrum, particularly avoiding provocative positions that place high tension on the biceps anchor.

Other options would either push the repair too far too soon (full ROM with ER at 90 degrees risks stressing the repair) or overly restrict motion (no ROM at all is not typical practice, and restricting flexion to passive only misses the appropriate early-assisted progression).