The Utilization of Static and Dynamic Models for the Biomechanical Testing of Rotator Cuff Pathology: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this systematic review is to determine the prevalence of these testing systems in the current rotator cuff literature, determine the most common outcome measurements evaluated with each of these systems, and discuss the benefits and limitations of each of these modalities.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A PubMed search was conducted to identify studies utilizing either dynamic or static whole shoulder models to assess rotator cuff pathology with or without subsequent repair. For each study, the repair method, the outcomes measured, and the loading forces used were collected. These were then compared between studies using either a dynamic or static model.

RESULTS

A total of 44 studies (34 static, 10 dynamic) were included for analysis. The most common repairs evaluated were superior capsular reconstruction (SCR; static: 35%; dynamic: 40%), no repair (static: 24%; dynamic: 30%), and suture anchor repair (static: 15%; dynamic: 30%). The most common outcome measures for static studies were superior humeral head migration (65%) and glenohumeral contact force (21%), while the most common outcomes in dynamic studies were maximum abduction (50%) and deltoid force at maximum abduction (40%).

CONCLUSION

Currently, a majority of this research utilizes static models. Understanding the benefits and limitations of these systems is important for researchers hoping to employ these models in their future work.