Effect of surgery on shoulder pain in patients not helped by other treatments

The Effect of Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression in Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome Who Are Non-responders to Non-operative Treatment. A Double-blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Hvidovre University Hospital · NCT04644042

This study is testing if adding a specific shoulder surgery can help people with shoulder pain who haven't found relief from other treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorHvidovre University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hvidovre, Denmark)
Trial IDNCT04644042 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates whether adding arthroscopic subacromial decompression to glenohumeral arthroscopy improves outcomes for patients with subacromial impingement syndrome who have not responded to non-operative treatments. It is a randomized, controlled trial with two groups: one receiving both surgeries and the other receiving only glenohumeral arthroscopy. Participants will undergo a standardized rehabilitation program post-surgery, and their progress will be assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index at 12 months. The study follows CONSORT guidelines to ensure rigorous methodology.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome who have not improved after at least three months of non-operative treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with severe medical conditions, full-thickness rotator cuff tears, or other specific shoulder pathologies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective surgical option for patients suffering from persistent shoulder pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar surgical approaches, but this specific combination of interventions is being tested for the first time.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* SIS diagnosis (Consultant's clinical diagnosis of SIS + at least 3 out of 5 positive tests from the following: Hawkin's, Neer's, Jobe's, Painful arc and external rotation resistance test)
* Positive subacromial injection test
* Insidious onset of shoulder pain
* Considered a surgical candidate by an orthopedic shoulder specialist.
* Symptoms for at least 6 months
* Completion of at least 3 months supervised shoulder training
* No improvement in symptoms for at least 3 months
* The patient must be expected to be able to attend rehabilitation and post-examinations.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Terminal illness or severe medical illness (ASA score higher than or equal to 4), systemic musculoskeletal disease, inflammatory joint disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis), symptomatic cervical spine pathology or thoracic outlet syndrome.
* Full-thickness rotator cuff tear, calcified tendonitis, labral tear, frozen shoulder, biceps tendon pathology, acromioclavicular osteoarthrosis, glenohumeral osteoarthrosis or other concomitant shoulder pathology.
* Previous surgery or radiotherapy on the affected shoulder.
* Pregnancy
* Ongoing workers compensation case or job rehabilitation process

Where this trial is running

Hvidovre, Denmark

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 Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.