Impact of neck nerve compression (cervical radiculopathy) on recovery after rotator cuff repair

The Impact of Cervical Radiculopathy on Functionality and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Rotator Cuff Repair

This study sees if people under 65 who had cervical radiculopathy before rotator cuff repair have different shoulder function and quality of life after surgery compared with those who did not.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 41 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Biruni University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul)
• Trial ID: NCT07001566 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers retrospectively compared patients who underwent rotator cuff repair at Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital from 2018 to 2023, grouping them by presence or absence of a prior cervical radiculopathy diagnosis. Eligible patients were under 65 and excluded if they had prior cervical spine surgery, other neurological disorders, oncologic disease, pathological fractures, other shoulder surgeries, active infections, or were deceased at screening. The team analyzed postoperative functional status and patient-reported quality-of-life measures to determine whether preexisting cervical radiculopathy influenced outcomes. No interventions were given as part of the study; it relied on chart review and recorded outcome measures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients under 65 who had rotator cuff repair at Kartal Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital between 2018 and 2023 with documented information about prior cervical radiculopathy and no listed exclusion conditions.

Not a fit: Patients over 65, those with prior cervical spine surgery, neurological or oncologic disorders, pathological fractures, other shoulder surgeries, active infections, or without hospital records (including deceased patients at screening) were excluded and would not benefit from these specific findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If a clear effect is found, clinicians could better identify patients at risk for poorer shoulder recovery and adjust counseling, rehabilitation plans, or consider addressing cervical issues alongside shoulder care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown links between cervical spine pathology and shoulder symptoms, but comparative analyses specifically tying prior cervical radiculopathy to post–rotator cuff repair function and quality-of-life outcomes are relatively limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have undergone rotator cuff repair
* Patients under the age of 65

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have undergone shoulder surgery other than rotator cuff repair
* Patients with a history of cervical spine surgery
* Patients with any neurological disorders
* Patients with a history of pathological fractures
* Patients with oncological diseases
* Patients with a history of infection
* Patients who were deceased at the time of retrospective screening

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Istanbul

• Kartal Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital — Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: ezgisu ören

Conditions: Rotator Cuff Tears, pain, functionality, quality of life