Comparing two shoulder surgeries for arthritis treatment
Official title: Anatomic Versus Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Primary Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis. A Randomized Prospective Study
Run by La Tour Hospital · NCT04629391 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a new type of shoulder surgery can help people with arthritis just as much as the standard surgery over two years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 296 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | La Tour Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Meyrin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2020 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04629391 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients aged 65 to 85 with primary glenohumeral arthritis and intact rotator cuffs.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant glenoid bone loss, full thickness rotator cuff tears, or other specified exclusions will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the functional outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and total anatomic shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis who have intact rotator cuffs. The study will assess whether RTSA can achieve results that are at least as good as TSA over a two-year period. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either surgical intervention, and their progress will be monitored through clinical and radiographic evaluations. The goal is to provide evidence on the effectiveness of RTSA in this specific patient population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the most effective surgical approach for treating shoulder arthritis, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results comparing these two surgical approaches, but this trial aims to provide more definitive evidence through a prospective randomized design.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary glenohumeral arthritis, * Intact rotator cuff, * No important glenoid bone loss (cf exclusion criteria), * Patients between 65 and 85 years old * Informed Consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form). Exclusion Criteria: * B2 glenoid with \> 80% posterior humeral head subluxation or greater 25 degrees neoglenoid retroversion, * B3 and C type glenoids, * Full thickness rotator cuff tear, * Acute or malunited proximal humeral fracture, * Chronic locked dislocation * Rheumatoid arthritis, * Revision surgery or surgical antecedents, * 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 CT scan etc. of the participant, * Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons.
Where it's running
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La Tour Hospital
Meyrin, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexandre Lädermann, MD — La Tour Hospital
- Study coordinator: Alexandre Lädermann, MD
- Email: alexandre.laedermann@gmail.com
- Phone: +41 22 719 75 55
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Comparing corticosteroid and PRP injections for shoulder arthritis treatment
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Using virtual reality to help rehabilitate shoulder injuries
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Comparing two treatments for massive rotator cuff tears
This study is testing which treatment, reverse shoulder surgery or shoulder repair, works better for older patients with severe rotator cuff tears that didn't get better with other methods.
-
Comparing treatments for biceps tendon issues in shoulder surgery
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.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.