Examining shoulder muscle health after total shoulder replacement

Evaluation of Structural and Functional Integrity of the Rotator Cuff After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Not applicable Interventional Milton S. Hershey Medical Center · NCT03921944

This study is testing the health of shoulder muscles in people who have had shoulder replacement surgery to see how well they are doing one and two years later.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages45 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMilton S. Hershey Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT03921944 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the structural and functional integrity of the rotator cuff muscles in patients who have undergone total shoulder arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis. Participants will undergo CT scans of their shoulders at one and two years post-surgery to assess the condition of their rotator cuff. The study aims to gather data that could inform future treatment and rehabilitation strategies for shoulder surgery patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 45 years old with a primary diagnosis of shoulder osteoarthritis who have had total shoulder replacement surgery performed by Dr. Armstrong.

Not a fit: Patients with recent shoulder trauma, atypical shoulder pain, or other shoulder pathologies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of rotator cuff health after shoulder replacement surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there may be studies on shoulder surgery outcomes, this specific evaluation of rotator cuff integrity post-surgery is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age \>45yrs
* primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the shoulder
* total shoulder replacement performed by Dr. Armstrong
* administered a local anesthetic mixture and not regional anesthesia
* all genders
* Fluent in written and spoken English
* Patients capable of giving informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known contraindications to CT/EMG
* Inability to provide informed consent
* History of recent trauma to the shoulder
* Atypical shoulder pain
* Other suspected shoulder pathology (i.e. tumor, infection)
* Pregnancy
* Bilateral total shoulder arthroplasty

Where this trial is running

Hershey, Pennsylvania

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 Osteoarthritis of Shouldershoulder surgeryarthritisrotator cuff
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.