Comparing treatments for biceps tendon issues in shoulder surgery

Treatment of the Biceps With Concomitant Supraspinatus Tears: A Multicenter Pragmatic Three-Arm Parallel-Group Randomized Surgical Trial

NA · La Tour Hospital · NCT05660031

This study is testing whether two different surgical methods for fixing biceps tendon issues during shoulder surgery can help people aged 50 to 80 recover better after their rotator cuff repair.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorLa Tour Hospital (other)
Locations4 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05660031 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of two surgical approaches, tenotomy and tenodesis, for treating the long head of the biceps tendon in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair for a full-thickness supraspinatus tear. The study aims to determine which method provides better post-operative functional outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups, and their recovery will be monitored through follow-up visits and questionnaires. The trial includes patients aged 50 to 80 with specific eligibility criteria to ensure a focused evaluation of the interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 to 80 with a full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon and an intact subscapularis tendon.

Not a fit: Patients with previous full-thickness biceps tears, infections, or those unable to comply with study protocols may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify the most effective surgical approach for improving shoulder function and reducing pain in patients with rotator cuff injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying results for tenotomy and tenodesis, indicating that this trial's comparative approach is both relevant and necessary.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 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.
* Full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon
* Intact subscapularis tendon
* Primary rotator cuff repair
* Age 50-80

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous full thickness biceps tear
* 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 MRI scan etc.
* Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons
* Patient declines to participate in study

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan and 3 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Supraspinatus Tear, Long head of the biceps, Supraspinatus tear, tenotomy, tenodesis, rotator cuff repair

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.