Does age-related muscle loss change rotator cuff tear patterns?

Does Sarcopenia Influence Rotator Cuff Tear Patterns? Radiological Insights From Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Observational Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital · NCT07183774

We will see if age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) is linked to the location and type of rotator cuff tears in adults aged 40–75 with rotator cuff syndrome.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment104 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorHaydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Üsküdar)
Trial IDNCT07183774 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an observational, single-center study of adults 40–75 who present with at least three months of shoulder pain and a clinical diagnosis of rotator cuff syndrome and who have had shoulder MRI. Demographic and pain/function data (Visual Analog Scale and Shoulder Disability Questionnaire) will be collected, and rotator cuff tear location and type will be determined from imaging. A blinded clinician will measure sarcopenia using the STAR (Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio) method combined with gait speed, handgrip strength, and the five-repetition chair stand test. The study will correlate sarcopenia measures with MRI-defined tear patterns to see if muscle loss predicts tear location or type.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 40–75 with clinically diagnosed rotator cuff syndrome, at least three months of shoulder pain, and available shoulder MRI are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with prior shoulder surgery, other shoulder pathologies, recent hip/thigh surgery, neurologic disease, active cancer, cognitive impairment, or who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this study's findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If a link is found, clinicians could use sarcopenia screening to better predict tear patterns and tailor treatment or rehabilitation plans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has suggested sarcopenia is associated with worse shoulder outcomes and postoperative complications, but correlating sarcopenia via STAR with detailed MRI tear patterns is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with rotator cuff syndrome
2. Aged between 40 and 75 years

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of previous shoulder surgery
2. Presence of shoulder pathology other than rotator cuff syndrome
3. History of surgical intervention involving the hip or thigh region
4. Being wheelchair-bound or bedridden
5. Presence of an oncologic disease
6. Diagnosis of any neurological disorder
7. Presence of cognitive impairment

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Üsküdar

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 Rotator Cuff TearsSarcopeniaShoulder PainRotator Cuff SyndromeRotator cuff syndromeRotator cuff tear
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.