Shoulder surgery showdown: which fix works best for massive rotator cuff tears?
NCT ID NCT07154641
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial compares two surgical procedures for massive rotator cuff tears: latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and superior capsular reconstruction. 44 adults with massive tears will be randomly assigned to one surgery and followed for 2 years. The goal is to see which operation provides better shoulder function and pain relief.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- surgical procedure (latissimus dorsi tendon transfer or superior capsular reconstruction)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this trial could show which surgery better restores shoulder function and reduces pain for people with massive rotator cuff tears.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 44 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and surgery always carries risks like infection or stiffness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 44 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2025
- Expected to finish
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May 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients (over 18 years old). Massive rotator cuff tear diagnosis based on shoulder MRI. - Exclusion Criteria: Advanced glenohumeral arthritis (Hamada ≥3). Deltoid dysfunction. Irrepearable subscapularis tear. Infection. Prior shoulder surgery. Shoulder stiffness. \-
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Konstantopouleio-Patision General Hospital of Nea Ionia
RECRUITINGAthens, Attica, 14233, Greece
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