Comparing sling use after reverse shoulder replacement surgery

Sling vs No Sling After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT06092996

This study is testing if wearing a sling for three weeks after shoulder surgery helps patients recover better than wearing it for just three days.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06092996 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the necessity of wearing a sling after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty by randomly assigning 100 patients to either a sling group, which will wear a sling for three weeks post-surgery, or a no-sling group, which will wear a sling for only three days. The aim is to determine if prolonged sling use impacts recovery outcomes. Patients will be monitored through standard follow-up visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-surgery, with data collected on patient-reported outcomes and physical examinations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-100 scheduled for primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty due to conditions like rotator cuff arthropathy or glenohumeral arthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of shoulder arthroplasty, septic arthritis, or other specified shoulder conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help optimize post-operative care and recovery for patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored post-operative care in shoulder surgeries, this specific comparison of sling duration is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient is scheduled to undergo a primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty procedure
* Patient voluntarily consents to participate in the study and has the mental and physical ability to participate in the study, fill out subjective questionnaires, return for follow-up visits, and comply with prescribed post-operative physical therapy
* Patient meets indications for primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the following diagnosis
* Rotator cuff arthropathy
* Glenohumeral arthritis
* Patient is between 18-100 years old
* Patient is English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* A history of ipsilateral shoulder arthroplasty
* A history of shoulder septic arthritis
* A history of a proximal humeral fracture
* Chronic locked dislocation
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Tumors
* Axillary nerve damage
* Non-functioning deltoid muscle
* Glenoid vault deficiency precluding baseplate fixation
* Infection and neuropathic joints
* Known or suspected non-compliance, drug or alcohol abuse
* Patients incapable of judgement or under tutelage
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, contraindication for imaging etc.
* The subject is related to investigator as family members, employees, or other dependent persons

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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 Shoulder DiseaseRotator Cuff Tear ArthropathyShoulder Osteoarthritis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.