Surgery or exercise? new study pits shoulder replacement against a 12-Week workout plan

NCT ID NCT04845074

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

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two treatments for severe shoulder arthritis: total shoulder replacement surgery followed by rehab, versus a 12-week exercise program with a physiotherapist. Researchers want to see if surgery leads to better pain relief and function than exercise alone. The trial involves 102 adults aged 55-85 who 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: Shoulder replacement surgery or a 12-week exercise program
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that a structured exercise program is as effective as surgery for some people with shoulder osteoarthritis, potentially avoiding the need for an operation.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial (102 participants) and results may not apply to everyone. The exercise program requires commitment, and surgery carries standard risks like infection or complications.

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.

osteoarthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

GLENOHUMERAL OSTEOARTHRITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Aalborg University Hospital

Farsø, 9640, Denmark
Aarhus University Hospital

Aarhus, 8200, Denmark
Esbjerg Hospital

Esbjerg, 6700, Denmark
Oslo University Hospital

Oslo, 4956, Norway
Silkeborg Regional Hospital

Silkeborg, 8600, Denmark
Tampere University Hospital

Tampere, 33521, Finland
Viborg Regional Hospital

Viborg, 8800, Denmark

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