Could a tight pectoralis minor muscle lead to rotator cuff tears?
The Role of Pectoralis Minor Muscle Tightness in the Development of Rotator Cuff Tears: A Propensity Score Matched Case-Control Study
This project tries to see if tightness of the pectoralis minor muscle is linked to rotator cuff tears in adults aged 18–55 with shoulder pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Gazi University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Cankaya) |
| Trial ID | NCT07228936 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, propensity score matched case-control study at Gazi University Hospital compares 45 patients with rotator cuff tears found at arthroscopy to 45 matched controls with intact rotator cuffs documented by MRI or arthroscopy. Cases and controls are matched 1:1 on demographics and activity factors using propensity scores (nearest neighbor, caliper 0.2 SD) implemented in R MatchIt. Before surgery, trained clinicians measure shoulder posture and pectoralis minor length with simple external tools (digital caliper and ruler-like square); all imaging and surgeries follow standard clinical care. The research only adds noninvasive measurements and structured data collection and does not change patient treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18 to 55 years old with shoulder pain who undergo MRI and/or shoulder arthroscopy at Gazi University Hospital and can give informed consent are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with prior surgery on the same shoulder, recent major-trauma tears, significant neck/nerve disorders, systemic inflammatory joint disease, or those outside the study location are unlikely to benefit from this observational comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If pectoralis minor tightness is linked to tears, clinicians could target stretching or rehabilitation to reduce the risk or progression of rotator cuff injury.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown pectoralis minor tightness can alter scapular posture and contribute to impingement, but direct evidence tying it to rotator cuff tear development is limited, so this approach is partly supported but not definitively established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18 to 55 years old. * Shoulder pain. * Evaluated by MRI and/or shoulder arthroscopy. * Willing to take part and give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous surgery on the same shoulder. * Recent traumatic shoulder injury such as fracture or dislocation. * Rotator cuff tear due to major trauma. * Neck/nerve conditions affecting the shoulder, such as cervical radiculopathy or thoracic outlet syndrome. * Systemic inflammatory joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. * Cognitive or communication problems that would prevent accurate measurements or consent.
Where this trial is running
Ankara, Cankaya
- Gazi University Hospital — Ankara, Cankaya, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cagatay Delice
- Email: cgty_166@hotmail.com
- Phone: +90 546 5819056
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.