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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 12, 2023 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 26, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05715021 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
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Sling vs Dynamic Shoulder Brace After Shoulder Stabilization
This pilot randomized trial tests whether a dynamic shoulder orthosis helps people recover faster after arthroscopic stabilization for anterior shoulder instability compared with a standard sling.
-
Examining the impact of Nimbus shoes on runners with functional equinus
This study is testing whether Nimbus shoes can help runners with functional equinus perform better and reduce injuries during their training and competitions.
-
Using frozen plucked hair follicles to grow cells for disease treatment and replacement
This project will try growing cells from adults' plucked and cryopreserved hair follicles to make patient-derived cells for disease modeling and potential cell therapies for conditions like diabetes and traumatic injuries.
-
Risk factors and injury patterns in beach tennis players
This project will see how often adult beach tennis players get injured over one year and what factors increase their risk.
-
Using smart socks to prevent injuries in youth football players
This study tests if smart socks that give feedback can help prevent injuries in young football players.
-
Understanding injuries in professional women's ice hockey
This study looks at the types of injuries that professional women ice hockey players get when body checking to find ways to help them stay safer and healthier on the ice.
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.