Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 14 to 40

Evaluating treatment options for first-time shoulder dislocation

Official title: Randomized Trial Evaluating First Time Shoulder Dislocation: Surgery vs Conservative Care

Run by McMaster University · NCT05715021 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a surgical option or a non-surgical approach works better for young people who have just dislocated their shoulder for the first time.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages14 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorMcMaster University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 12, 2023
Main results expectedMarch 1, 2027
Study endsMarch 1, 2028
Registry record updatedSeptember 26, 2025
Trial IDNCT05715021 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 14 to 40 who have experienced a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation within the last three months.

Probably not a fit

Patients with previous shoulder surgeries, significant concomitant injuries, or those unable to undergo surgery 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 pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of a larger trial comparing arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization to non-operative management for patients experiencing their first anterior shoulder dislocation. The study will focus on the risk of recurrent dislocation and functional outcomes over a 24-month period. It targets individuals aged 14 to 40 who have had a dislocation within the past three months, utilizing both clinical assessments and imaging to confirm diagnoses. The findings will help determine the best management strategies for this common injury.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols that reduce the risk of recurrent shoulder dislocations and enhance functional recovery for patients.

How similar studies have gone: While there is existing literature on shoulder dislocations, this specific comparison of surgical versus non-operative management in first-time dislocators is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients ages 14-40 years;
2. Diagnosis of first-time shoulder anterior dislocation having occurred within the past 3 months confirmed either by radiographic evidence or documented reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation as well as physical examination eliciting unwanted glenohumeral translation with reproduction of symptoms;
3. Provision of informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients that cannot undergo surgery or anesthesia;
2. Patients with concomitant injuries (rotator cuff tear, fracture)
3. Previous shoulder surgery;
4. Patients that will likely have problems with maintaining follow-up or are incarcerated;
5. Epilepsy/seizure disorder;
6. Pregnancy;
7. Diagnosis of multidirectional instability;
8. Bony glenoid defect (bony Bankart) \>10% as measured on preop imaging;
9. Dislocation without trauma, in a context of hyper laxity or atraumatic instability;
10. Cases involving litigation or workplace insurance claims (e.g., WSIB).

Where it's running

  • St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Moin Khan, MD — McMaster University
  • Study coordinator: Danielle Dagher, MSc
  • Email: ddagher@stjoes.ca
  • Phone: 905-522-1155

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.