Adding a long‑acting local anesthetic to a steroid injection after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for shoulder adhesion

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized, double‑blind, parallel‑group trial enrolling about 70 adults with full‑thickness rotator cuff tear and shoulder adhesion undergoing arthroscopic repair and capsular release. Participants are randomized to receive either a combination injection of liposomal bupivacaine plus compound betamethasone or compound betamethasone alone into the joint at the end of surgery. Patients and outcome assessors are blinded, and follow‑up visits occur through 12 months with assessments at multiple time points. The primary outcome is the UCLA Shoulder Score, with secondary outcomes including VAS pain scores, Constant‑Murley score, active range of motion, MRI tendon healing (SNQ), and complication rates.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Age between 18 and 70 years.

Clinical and MRI diagnosis of full-thickness rotator cuff tear.

Presence of shoulder stiffness/adhesion defined as passive range of motion less than 100° in forward flexion and/or less than 10° in external rotation (or according to your specific definition).

Scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and capsular release.

Willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Willing to comply with all study procedures and follow-up visits.

Exclusion Criteria :

Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tear.

Severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis (Grade III or IV according to Samilson-Prieto classification).

History of shoulder infection, fracture, or previous surgery on the affected shoulder.

Known allergy or contraindication to betamethasone, local anesthetics, or components of PRP preparation.

Systemic inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).

Coagulation disorders or use of anticoagulants that cannot be safely suspended perioperatively.

Pregnancy or lactation.

Participation in another clinical trial within the past 3 months.

Any medical or psychiatric condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would compromise patient safety or compliance with the study protocol.

Where it's running

• The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University
  Nanchang, Jiangxi, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Hao Liang, MD
• Email: haoliang201@163.com
• Phone: +86-13607008562

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.