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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States