Comparing neglect versus repair for specific shoulder tears

Skillful Neglect Vs Repair For Upper Border Subscapularis Tear Associated With Posterosuperior Cuff Tears Repair In Non-Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Ain Shams University · NCT05960812

This study is testing whether leaving certain shoulder tears alone or fixing them with surgery helps people recover better over time.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT05960812 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the functional outcomes of two different treatment approaches for upper border subscapularis tears associated with posterosuperior cuff tears. Patients will be randomly assigned to either a skillful neglect approach or an arthroscopic repair approach, both involving biceps tenotomy. The study will follow up on the patients' recovery using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score to assess their functional improvement over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are non-athletic patients with Lafosse type 1 and type 2 upper subscapularis border tears.

Not a fit: Patients with glenohumeral arthritis, other intra-articular pathologies, neural damage, or higher-grade subscapularis tears may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the most effective treatment approach for patients with specific shoulder tears, potentially improving recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there may be existing studies on rotator cuff repairs, this specific comparison of neglect versus repair for upper subscapularis tears is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with combined upper subscapularis border tear in Lafosse type 1 and type 2.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Glenohumeral arthritis.
* Patients with other intra-articular pathology like SLAP lesions.
* Neural damage (Brachial plexus injury).
* Revision cases.
* Patient with subscapularis border tear type 3, type 4, and type 5.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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.
Conditions Subscapularis Muscle StrainRotator cuff tear
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.