Comparing shoulder surgery techniques for arthritis treatment

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Lateralized Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (RTSA) With and Without Subscapularis Repair

Not applicable Interventional Panam Clinic · NCT04728282

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment284 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPanam Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Trial IDNCT04728282 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with glenohumeral arthritis or related conditions who are undergoing their first RTSA.

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.

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 performed: Previous studies have shown varying outcomes with different surgical approaches in shoulder arthroplasty, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Winnipeg, Manitoba

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 Arthritis Shoulderreverse total shoulder arthroplastysubscapularisrepair
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.