Surgery or exercise? landmark trial tests best treatment for Worn-Out shoulders

NCT ID NCT04864158

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Aarhus Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This trial compares two approaches for people with rotator cuff arthropathy, a condition where the shoulder joint wears down due to a torn rotator cuff. One group receives reverse total shoulder replacement surgery followed by standard rehab, while the other group completes a 12-week supervised exercise program. The study aims to see if surgery leads to better pain relief and function than exercise alone. Participants are between 60 and 85 years old and are eligible for shoulder replacement.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and a 12-week exercise program
What this could lead to: If surgery proves superior, it could confirm reverse shoulder replacement as the best option for severe rotator cuff arthropathy. If exercise works as well, it may offer a non-surgical alternative.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial (102 participants) and results may not apply to all patients. Surgery carries risks like infection or implant failure, while exercise may not provide enough relief for severe cases.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

arthropathy rotator cuff syndrome Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ROTATOR CUFF ARTHROPATHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Aalborg University Hospital
RECRUITING

Farsø, 9640, Denmark
Aarhus University Hospital
RECRUITING

Aarhus N, Denmark
Esbjerg Hospital
RECRUITING

Esbjerg, 6700, Denmark
Oslo University Hospital
RECRUITING

Oslo, 4956, Norway
Silkeborg Regional Hospital
RECRUITING

Silkeborg, 8600, Denmark
Tampere University Hospital
RECRUITING

Tampere, 33521, Finland
Tartu University Hospital
RECRUITING

Tartu, Estonia
Viborg Regional Hospital
RECRUITING

Viborg, 8800, Denmark

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