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.
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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
-
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York, 10021, United States
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