Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer versus superior capsular reconstruction for massive rotator cuff tears
Comparison Between Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer and Superior Capsular Reconstruction in Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
This trial will randomly try two surgical options—latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and superior capsular reconstruction—in adults with massive rotator cuff tears to see which gives better shoulder function and less pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Konstantopoulio-Patission General Hospital of Nea Ionia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Athens, Attica) |
| Trial ID | NCT07154641 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with MRI-confirmed massive rotator cuff tears are randomized to receive either latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDT) or superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), with 22 patients planned per arm based on a power calculation. Primary outcomes are the Constant score and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, with pain measured by a Visual Analog Scale (VAS); assessments occur preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes include progression of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and evaluation of pseudoparalysis. The single-center trial is conducted at Konstantopouleio-Patision General Hospital in Athens with centralized randomization and standard surgical interventions for each arm.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 with MRI-confirmed massive rotator cuff tears who do not have advanced glenohumeral arthritis, deltoid dysfunction, irreparable subscapularis tears, prior shoulder surgery, infection, or significant shoulder stiffness are eligible.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced shoulder arthritis (Hamada ≥3), deltoid dysfunction, irreparable subscapularis tears, prior shoulder surgery, active infection, significant stiffness, or those unable or unwilling to travel to Athens or be randomized are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one operation gives better function or less pain, patients could get clearer guidance on which surgery offers improved recovery and longer-term shoulder outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Both latissimus dorsi transfer and superior capsular reconstruction have shown beneficial results in prior series, but randomized head-to-head comparisons are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients (over 18 years old). Massive rotator cuff tear diagnosis based on shoulder MRI. - Exclusion Criteria: Advanced glenohumeral arthritis (Hamada ≥3). Deltoid dysfunction. Irrepearable subscapularis tear. Infection. Prior shoulder surgery. Shoulder stiffness. \-
Where this trial is running
Athens, Attica
- Konstantopouleio-Patision General Hospital of Nea Ionia — Athens, Attica, Greece (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dimitrios V Papadopoulos, MD, PhD — Second Department of Orthopaedics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Study coordinator: Dimitrios V Papadopoulos, MD, PhD
- Email: di_papadopoulos@yahoo.gr
- Phone: +306976016874
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.