Occurrence of shoulder disorders among postcoronary artery bypass surgery patients in India

Background: The range of motion and function of the shoulder girdle and upper back are believed to be impaired following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) through median sternotomy. Until date, there is no study published in India, which determines the occurrence of shoulder disorders in CABG patients. Objective: To determine the occurrence of shoulder disorders among post-CABG patients and to explore the associated factors. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 45 postoperative CABG patients were recruited. Details regarding demographic data, operative data, pre-and post-operative physiotherapy management and the occurrence of shoulder disorders were collected by face-to-face interview method using a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Results: The occurrence of shoulder disorders among post-CABG patients was 36%. Predominance of shoulder disorders was found at the time point 3-4 months after CABG. No significant association was found between age, gender and performance of upper limb exercises and the occurrence of shoulder disorders. Conclusion: Given the high occurrence of shoulder disorder, it is crucial that rehabilitation professionals take essential steps to assess and treat these complications in the immediate postoperative period and continue the same following discharge from the hospital. The paper concludes by calling for further research to explore and develop a more directed prophylactic exercise regimen for the musculoskeletal complications following CABG