Comparing Connective Tissue Matrix and Steroid Injections for Shoulder Pain

Connective Tissue Matrix (CTM) Compared to Corticosteroid Injections: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Allegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute) · NCT06712290

This study is testing whether a new injection made from connective tissue can help people with shoulder pain from rotator cuff issues better than a standard steroid injection.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorAllegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute) (other)
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06712290 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a single injection of Connective Tissue Matrix (CTM) compared to a corticosteroid injection for treating rotator cuff tendinopathy. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either CTM or Kenalog-40 (a corticosteroid), and both patients and researchers will be blinded to the treatment assignments. Participants will undergo follow-up assessments at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, which will include physical exams, questionnaires, and functional tests to evaluate shoulder performance. The study will collect data on patient outcomes and any adverse events throughout the trial period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 with a diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinopathy who are eligible for an injection treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as adhesive capsulitis, significant joint issues, or those who have had recent shoulder surgery or steroid injections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from rotator cuff tendinopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using similar biologic treatments for musculoskeletal conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18-80 years old with rotator cuff tendinopathy
* A corticosteroid or CTM-type injection was determined by the clinician to be the proper medical treatment course and patient is willing to undergo the injection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with adhesive capsulitis
* Patients with acromio-clavicular joint impingement, retracted tears, significant labral lesions or significant glenohumeral arthrosis
* Patients with joint instability
* History of shoulder surgery or corticosteroid injection in the past 3 months
* Patients with a history of chronic steroid treatment for any medical reason
* Patients with medical conditions that may affect healing, such as

  * End-stage renal disease
  * Uncontrolled diabetes
  * Peripheral vascular disease
  * Severe and/or systemic immunocompromising conditions such as Lupus or HIV infection
* Patients who are pregnant or breast feeding

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Shoulder, Rotator cuff, Tendinopathy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.