How subscapularis tears affect shoulder joint damage and function
Official title: Impact of Overload and Overuse Following Subscapularis Tears: Mechanisms of Shoulder Joint Damage
Funded at Philadelphia VA Medical Center · NIH-10988221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tears in a specific shoulder tendon can affect the way your shoulder works and lead to pain and damage over time, with the goal of finding better ways to help people who have chronic shoulder pain from these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Philadelphia VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003652-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988221 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with subscapularis tendon tears or those experiencing chronic shoulder pain related to these injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with shoulder issues unrelated to subscapularis tears or those who have already undergone surgical repair may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of subscapularis tendon tears on shoulder joint mechanics and the resulting damage to cartilage and tendons. By utilizing an animal model, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to pain and loss of function in patients with these tears. The findings could help identify better clinical approaches for treating individuals suffering from chronic shoulder pain related to subscapularis injuries. The research is particularly focused on understanding how these tears contribute to ongoing joint damage and dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with subscapularis tears, potentially reducing pain and enhancing shoulder function.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on rotator cuff tears, the specific focus on subscapularis tears and their impact on joint damage is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuntz, Andrew Frederic — Philadelphia VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kuntz, Andrew Frederic
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.