Can your own fat cells fix a torn rotator cuff?
NCT ID NCT03332238
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 2 trial tests whether a patient's own fat-derived cells (stromal vascular fraction) can improve healing after surgical repair of a chronic rotator cuff tear. The study enrolls 56 adults aged 45-65 with full-thickness tears who have not improved with physical therapy. The cells are isolated from a small amount of belly fat during surgery and injected into the repair site. Researchers will measure shoulder strength, pain, and function over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
stromal vascular fraction cells from the patient's own fat tissue
What this could lead to
If it works, this could lead to a treatment that improves muscle and tendon healing after rotator cuff surgery, reducing pain and weakness.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial (56 people) with no control group for comparison. The cells may not improve outcomes, and the procedure involves liposuction and surgery risks.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York, 10021, United States