Intralesional vs. Perilesional 5% Dextrose Injections for Partial Rotator Cuff Tears

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, double-blind study compares two ultrasound-guided dextrose injection approaches for partial rotator cuff tears: intralesional injection versus perilesional injection using a peppering technique, given in three sessions 21 days apart. All participants receive ultrasound guidance to the supraspinatus enthesis and follow a home exercise program after treatments. Outcomes and tendon changes are assessed at baseline, 9 weeks, and 12 weeks, with ultrasound review at 12 weeks to evaluate structural changes. The study aims to determine which approach better improves clinical symptoms and tendon morphology in this chronic shoulder condition.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of partial rotator cuff tear by a specialist physician after appropriate clinical examination and imaging evaluation
* Shoulder pain and functional limitation lasting for at least 3 months
* Clinically confirmed shoulder impingement findings, defined as at least one positive test among Neer, Hawkins-Kennedy, or painful arc tests
* Age between 18 and 75 years
* Ability to comply with the study procedures and attend follow-up visits regularly
* Willingness to participate in the study and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Advanced cognitive impairment or dementia preventing reliable completion of questionnaires
* Refusal to participate in the study or inability to provide informed consent
* Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
* Major tendon pathology other than the supraspinatus tendon, such as full-thickness subscapularis tear or biceps tendon rupture
* Advanced acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, marked impingement, or marked adhesive capsulitis
* Advanced glenohumeral joint arthritis
* Active infection, cellulitis, or dermatologic lesion at the injection site
* Bleeding diathesis or anticoagulant use
* Known allergy or intolerance to dextrose injection
* Intra-articular shoulder injection, including steroid, platelet-rich plasma, or prolotherapy, within the last 3 months
* Previous shoulder surgery
* Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, defined as HbA1c \>8.5%, or severe endocrine or metabolic disorder
* Immunosuppression or active infection
* Rheumatologic shoulder involvement
* Neurological disease affecting shoulder movements
* Pregnancy
* Active malignancy

Where it's running

• Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital
  Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: ESRA Ülgen Kıratlıoğlu — Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
• Study coordinator: Esra Ülgen Kıratlıoğlu, MD
• Email: esraulgen@gmail.com
• Phone: +905079614194

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Tight management for shoulder pain from rotator cuff tendinopathy

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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.