Comparing traditional and accelerated rehabilitation after shoulder surgery
A Randomised Controlled Trial of Accelerated Rehabilitation Versus Standard Rehabilitation After Double-row Rotator Cuff Repair. Does Rehabilitation Regimen Affect Clinical Outcomes?
This study is testing whether a faster rehabilitation program without sling use after shoulder surgery can help patients recover better than the traditional method that requires sling use for 6 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Manchester) |
| Trial ID | NCT03913611 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the outcomes of two rehabilitation approaches following double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients will be randomly assigned to either a standard rehabilitation group, which requires sling use for 6 weeks, or an accelerated rehabilitation group, which does not mandate sling use. The primary outcome will be measured using the Oxford Shoulder Score at 6 months, alongside assessments of postoperative pain, shoulder movement, and MRI scans to evaluate repair integrity. The goal is to determine if accelerated rehabilitation leads to better recovery outcomes compared to traditional methods.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 40 with a degenerate full-thickness posterosuperior rotator cuff tear who have not responded to conservative treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with other musculoskeletal diseases affecting the same limb or those with massive rotator cuff tears may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into more effective rehabilitation strategies, potentially leading to quicker recovery times for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with different rehabilitation protocols, but this specific comparison of accelerated versus traditional rehabilitation is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged over 40 with a degenerate full-thickness posterosuperior rotator cuff tear undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (+/- concomitant procedures such as biceps tenotomy and subacromial decompression). Exclusion Criteria: * Other musculoskeletal disease affecting same limb * Massive rotator cuff tear * Subscapularis tear * Incomplete cuff repair * Repair under tension * Non-English speaker * Inability to follow postoperative instructions / restrictions
Where this trial is running
Manchester
- Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust — Manchester, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christopher Peach, MBBS MD
- Email: chris.peach@mft.nhs.uk
- Phone: +44 161 9987070
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.