Shoulder surgery showdown: which fix works best for torn rotator cuffs?

NCT ID NCT04742452

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compares two surgical options for people with large, irreparable rotator cuff tears: partial repair alone versus partial repair plus a tissue graft to rebuild the shoulder capsule. Researchers will track pain, function, and quality of life in 105 participants over two years. The goal is to see if adding the graft provides extra benefit or if partial repair alone is enough.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: surgery (partial rotator cuff repair with or without superior capsule reconstruction)
What this could lead to: If this trial succeeds, it could show that one surgical method provides better pain relief and shoulder function for people with severe, untreatable rotator cuff tears.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-stage trial comparing two surgical techniques. The results may not apply to all patients, and there is a risk of surgical complications or that neither method proves clearly better.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Rotator Cuff Injuries rotator cuff syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Lake Health

Willoughby, Ohio, 44094, United States
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States

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