Shoulder dislocation debate: is surgery or rehab the better fix?
NCT ID NCT05532150
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study will compare two common treatments for people who have dislocated their shoulder for the first time: minimally invasive surgery (Bankart repair) versus a structured physical therapy program. Researchers want to find out which approach leads to better shoulder function, less pain, and fewer repeat dislocations over the long term. The trial plans to enroll 200 participants and follow them for up to 10 years.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Arthroscopic Bankart repair (minimally invasive shoulder surgery) and physical therapy
- What this could lead to
- If this trial succeeds, it could provide clear guidance on whether surgery or physical therapy is better for treating a first-time shoulder dislocation, helping patients recover faster and avoid future dislocations.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage study that has not yet started recruiting. Results may not apply to all patients, and both treatments carry risks such as infection, stiffness, or failure to prevent repeat dislocations.
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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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Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, 10032, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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