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Which shoulder repair works best for massive tears? a trial pits two techniques Head-to-Head

NCT ID NCT03617562

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot trial compares two surgical options for people with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears that haven't improved with non-surgical treatment. One group receives a partial repair, leaving some of the tear unrepaired, while the other gets a newer procedure called superior capsular reconstruction, which uses a donated tissue graft to cover the defect. The study aims to see which approach leads to better shoulder function and less pain, helping to design a larger, more definitive trial.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
two surgical procedures: arthroscopic partial rotator cuff repair and superior capsular reconstruction using a dermal allograft
What this could lead to
If one technique proves superior, it could establish a standard surgical approach for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, improving shoulder function and pain relief.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study, so results may not be definitive. Both procedures carry surgical risks like infection, stiffness, or graft failure, and the new SCR technique lacks long-term safety data.

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.

Rotator Cuff Injuries rotator cuff syndrome Shoulder Injuries

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ROTATOR CUFF TEAR

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Sunnybrook Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre

    RECRUITING

    Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1H1, Canada

  • Women's College Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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