Shoulder surgery showdown: which tear repair works best?
NCT ID NCT07289659
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compared two arthroscopic surgical techniques for repairing partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Fifty-four patients with tears over 50% of tendon thickness were randomly assigned to either transtendon repair (preserving the outer tendon layer) or conversion repair (converting to a full tear before repair). Both methods improved pain, function, and range of motion over 24 months, with similar complication rates and MRI healing.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Arthroscopic surgery (transtendon repair or conversion repair)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help surgeons choose the best technique for repairing partial rotator cuff tears, leading to better pain relief and shoulder function for patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 54 participants. Results may not apply to all patients, and both techniques carry typical surgical risks like stiffness or infection.
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
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Kasr Alainy
Cairo, Egypt