Comparing two methods of placing the humeral component in shoulder replacement surgery

Onlay Versus Inlay Humeral Component in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: a Prospective, Randomized Trial

Not applicable Interventional William Beaumont Hospitals · NCT05297305

This study is testing whether placing a shoulder replacement component inside or on top of the bone affects how well people can move their shoulder and manage pain two years after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment154 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWilliam Beaumont Hospitals Academic / other
Locations1 site (Royal Oak, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT05297305 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effects of two different placements of the humeral component in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: the inlay method, where the component sits inside the bone, and the onlay method, where it sits on top of the bone. The goal is to determine if these different placements affect shoulder function, including range of motion and pain levels, two years after surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups and will undergo evaluations at baseline, 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-surgery to assess their outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with specific shoulder conditions such as cuff tear arthropathy or primary osteoarthritis requiring reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Not a fit: Patients who have had prior shoulder surgeries, are undergoing revision arthroplasty, or have certain diagnoses like rheumatoid arthritis or acute trauma may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved shoulder function and pain relief for patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored various surgical techniques in shoulder arthroplasty, this specific comparison of inlay versus onlay humeral component placement is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with the following components:

  1. Onlay group: Ascend Flex stem, Perform Reversed standard +3 lateralized 25mm baseplate with standard 36 mm glenosphere or +6 lateralized 25mm baseplate with 39mm glenosphere
  2. Inlay group: Perform Stem Reverse, Perform Reversed +3 lateralized 25mm baseplate with standard 36mm glenosphere or +6 lateralized 25mm baseplate with 39mm glenosphere
* Diagnosis of cuff tear arthropathy, massive cuff tear, or primary osteoarthritis with cuff tear
* Negative external rotation lag sign, ability to externally rotate beyond neutral
* Age 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Revision arthroplasty
* Prior open shoulder surgery
* Concomitant tendon transfer (Latissimus Dorsi, Pectoralis Tendon, Lower Trapezius)
* Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, infection, acute trauma or instability
* Patients not willing to undergo a standardized physical therapy protocol or home therapy program after surgical intervention
* Patient anatomy does not accommodate the study implants per surgeon discretion
* Pregnant, patient-reported
* Minors (under 18 years of age)
* Cognitively impaired based on a diagnosis of dementia, psychiatric disorder, or any cognitive deficit that will not allow for proper informed consent or answering of study questionnaires

Where this trial is running

Royal Oak, Michigan

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 ShoulderRotator Cuff Injuriesshoulder functionshoulder painshoulder range of motion
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.