Shoulder surgery recovery: steroid trial halted after just 4 patients
NCT ID NCT03091075
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether taking the steroid oxandrolone for 12 weeks after rotator cuff repair could improve tendon healing and muscle mass. Only 4 people participated before the trial was stopped early. Because it was so small, we cannot draw any reliable conclusions about whether oxandrolone helps or is safe for this purpose.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Oxandrolone (a synthetic steroid similar to testosterone)
- What this could lead to
- If it worked, oxandrolone might improve tendon healing and muscle recovery after rotator cuff surgery.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated early with only 4 participants, so results are very limited. It is unclear if oxandrolone is safe or effective for this use.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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