Comparing shoulder surgery techniques for arthritis treatment
Official title: Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Lateralized Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (RTSA) With and Without Subscapularis Repair
Run by Panam Clinic · NCT04728282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether shoulder surgery for arthritis works better with or without a specific muscle repair to see how it affects patients' recovery and shoulder function.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 284 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Panam Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (New Westminster, British Columbia and 5 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2021 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | October 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04728282 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with glenohumeral arthritis or related conditions who are undergoing their first RTSA.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with previous shoulder surgeries, severe fatty infiltration of the subscapularis, or other specific shoulder conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) with and without subscapularis repair in patients suffering from shoulder arthritis. It is a double-blind randomized controlled trial that will assess patient-reported outcomes, clinical measures, and functional performance over a 24-month postoperative period. The study will evaluate differences in PROM scores, shoulder function, dislocation rates, surgical complications, and operative times between the two surgical approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical techniques and outcomes for patients undergoing shoulder surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown varying outcomes with different surgical approaches in shoulder arthroplasty, but this specific comparison is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of glenohumeral arthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, or massive irreparable rotator cuff tear with surgeon-patient decision to undergo RTSA * First RTSA implantation * Absence of neoplastic diseases at the treated site * Fatty infiltration of the subscapularis is low-grade (i.e. Goutallier \< Grade 3) based on pre-operative CT performed as standard of care in the patient group Exclusion Criteria: * Previous shoulder arthroplasty (hemi-, total shoulder, or RTSA) * Avascular necrosis * Post-infectious arthritis * Proximal humerus fracture * Inflammatory arthritis * Inability to communicate in English * Unable to return for study visits to 24-months post-operative (e.g. unable to arrange transportation to study appointments, plans to relocate, etc.) Intra-operative Exclusions: * Subscapularis with fatty infiltration (Goutallier ≥ 3) * Subscapularis that is deemed to be irreparable. An irreparable tendon is defined as one that is not of sufficient quality or does not allow adequate excursion to reach the repair site * Any anatomical or patient characteristic that warrants a non-lateralized implant
Where it's running
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Pan Am Clinic
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Recruiting -
Fraser Orthopaedic Institute
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada Not yet recruiting -
Saint John Orthopaedics
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Not yet recruiting -
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Not yet recruiting -
The Ottawa Hospital
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Not yet recruiting -
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jarret Woodmass, MD — Pan Am Clinic
- Study coordinator: Heather Normand
- Email: hnormand3@panamclinic.com
- Phone: 204-925-7469
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Targeted strengthening for the shoulder muscles that pull the upper arm down after reverse shoulder replacement
This trial will test whether adding targeted strengthening exercises for specific shoulder depressor muscles to standard rehabilitation helps people recovering from reverse shoulder replacement reduce pain and improve motion and daily function.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.