Multimodal versus narcotic pain control after rotator cuff repair

The Effect of Multimodal Pain Regimen on Use of Narcotics After Rotator Cuff Tear Repair

Phase 4 Interventional Montefiore Medical Center · NCT07076069

This trial will test whether a mostly non‑narcotic multimodal pain plan reduces opioid use and keeps patients comfortable after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMontefiore Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (The Bronx, New York)
Trial IDNCT07076069 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at Montefiore are assigned to either a previously described multimodal, primarily non‑narcotic pain protocol or the medical center's usual postoperative regimen that relies mainly on narcotics. The study measures total rescue opioid consumption after surgery along with self‑reported pain and satisfaction outcomes. Patients must be able to consent, receive a local nerve block, and tolerate the medications in the assigned regimen to participate. The investigators aim to identify a pain plan that lowers opioid use without sacrificing comfort or patient satisfaction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with rotator cuff tears who have failed conservative therapy and are scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, who can consent and are eligible for a local nerve block, are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot tolerate the regimen medications, have prior same‑side shoulder surgery, significant renal disease, peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding, active substance abuse history, pregnancy, or inability to consent are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow patients to use fewer opioids after rotator cuff repair while maintaining effective pain control and satisfaction.

How similar studies have performed: Opioid‑sparing multimodal pain regimens have shown promise in other surgical populations, though direct head‑to‑head evidence specifically for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults with rotator cuff tears who have failed conservative therapy and are now undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients without capacity to consent for the study
* Patients not able to have local nerve block
* Patients who underwent previous shoulder surgery on the same side, kindling revision rotator cuff repair
* Patients who are unable to record and verbalize their pain level due to altered mental status
* Patients who are unable to tolerate any of the medications included in the multimodal pain regimen or standard pain regimen due to severe allergies or inability to consume medication
* Patients with history of previously diagnosed alcohol or drug abuse, renal impairment, peptic ulcer disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding
* Patients who are pregnant

Where this trial is running

The Bronx, New York

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 Rotator Cuff RepairsPain Management
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.