Effect of Compressive Shoulder Draping With Adhesive Incise Drape on Soft Tissue Swelling in Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Background: Soft tissue swelling in shoulder arthroscopy is common and may lead to complications. Measures aimed at reducing this phenomenon are routinely used with limited efficacy.

Purpose/hypothesis: The purpose of the study was to assess (1) soft tissue swelling of the shoulder (the operated site) and (2) soft tissue swelling of the neck, chest, and arm (the surrounding tissue) in patients with versus without compressive draping during shoulder arthroscopy. It was hypothesized that compressive draping of the shoulder with adhesive incise drape would reduce soft tissue swelling during shoulder arthroscopy.

Study design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods: A total of 50 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were prospectively randomized to either the study group (in which the shoulder was draped with adhesive incise drape tightened around the shoulder) or the control group (in which a standard shoulder arthroscopy drape was used). The circumferences of the shoulder, arm, chest, and neck were measured preoperatively and postoperatively and compared between the groups.

Results: The shoulder circumference in the standard draping group increased by 16% during the procedure (from 21.2 ± 1.5 cm preoperatively to 24.5 ± 1.7 cm postoperatively) compared with only 6% in the compressive draping group (from 21.0 ± 1.3 cm preoperatively to 22.3 ± 1.1 cm postoperatively) (P < .01). No serious postoperative complications were observed in either group.

Conclusion: Compressive shoulder draping with adhesive incise drape was effective in reducing soft tissue swelling around the shoulder in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair compared with standard arthroscopic draping and was not associated with any adverse reactions.

Registration: NCT03216590 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).