Shoulder replacement patients: better pain care through personalized risk profiles
Official title: Biopsychosocial Influence on Shoulder Pain
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11399697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Duke-led project will look at how biological, psychological, and social factors together predict chronic pain after total shoulder replacement, with the goal of guiding personalized pain management.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $621,985 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081796-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older undergoing primary total shoulder arthroplasty at Duke Health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not fit the study criteria or who have atypical procedures may not benefit from the personalized risk model.
What this research studies
This project follows patients undergoing primary total shoulder arthroplasty to identify a risk phenotype for chronic pain 12 months after surgery. Researchers will collect biological data, psychological factors, and social needs (like housing, transportation, and support) to see how these elements combine to influence outcomes. They will also track post-operative biomarkers and time-varying factors to improve prediction accuracy. The study will enroll about 461 participants at Duke Health and use a prospective cohort design to relate pre- and post-surgical factors to long-term pain and recovery. The ultimate aim is to tailor post-operative care to each patient’s unique profile.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may receive more precise pain management plans after shoulder replacement, potentially reducing chronic pain and improving recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in precision medicine have shown promise in predicting pain outcomes, but this project applies a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to shoulder surgery specifically.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: George, Steven Z — Duke University
- Study coordinator: George, Steven Z
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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.