Return to Play Criteria Among Shoulder Surgeons Following Shoulder Stabilization

Description

The presentation by Bogdan Matache at NYU Langone Health discusses a research project focused on developing return to play criteria for athletes undergoing shoulder stabilization surgery. The study addresses the high recurrence rates of anterior shoulder instability, particularly in young athletes, and highlights the importance of being able to return to play as a key concern for patients considering surgery. Through a survey conducted among North American and European shoulder surgeons, the research aims to assess current practices and identify consensus on the metrics used to determine readiness for return to play post-surgery. Findings reveal that while there is minimal variability in the criteria, the most common factors influencing return to play decisions are the duration of recovery (greater than four months), as well as achieving symmetric strength and range of motion compared to the uninjured arm. The results emphasize the need for standardized post-operative guidelines, given the reliance on subjective criteria among surgeons.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-220843

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