Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer versus superior capsular reconstruction for massive rotator cuff tears
Official title: Comparison Between Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer and Superior Capsular Reconstruction in Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Run by Konstantopoulio-Patission General Hospital of Nea Ionia · NCT07154641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Konstantopoulio-Patission General Hospital of Nea Ionia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Athens, Attica) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 2, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2029 |
| Study ends | May 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07154641 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Both latissimus dorsi transfer and superior capsular reconstruction have shown beneficial results in prior series, but randomized head-to-head comparisons are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Treatment for massive rotator cuff tears using a biodegradable spacer
This study is testing whether using a biodegradable spacer during surgery for massive rotator cuff tears can help patients recover better than surgery without the spacer.
-
Rotator cuff repair with biceps rerouting and dermal graft augmentation for large, difficult tears
This study tests a combined surgical approach to see if it helps tendon retear rates in adults with large rotator cuff tears that are hard to repair.
-
Biceps Transposition Without Tenotomy to Augment Massive Rotator Cuff Repairs
This study tests whether moving the long head of the biceps tendon without cutting it helps improve shoulder function after partial rotator cuff repair in adults with large tears.
-
Voll fully degradable shoulder spacer for massive rotator cuff tears
This will try a fully degradable shoulder spacer in people aged 50 and older with symptomatic massive rotator cuff tears to see if it is safe and helps shoulder pain and function.
-
Biomarkers to see if rotator cuff repairs will heal after surgery
This study tests whether biomarkers in shoulder tissue and synovial fluid can predict whether a rotator cuff repair will heal, using MRI after surgery to compare those who heal with those who don’t.
-
Mobilization with Movement for people with rotator cuff lesions
This trial will test whether Mobilization with Movement helps reduce pain, improve shoulder function, and restore joint position sense in adults with rotator cuff lesions.
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.