New treatment for partial rotator cuff tears

Ultrasonic Tenotomy as a Treatment of Partial Rotator Cuff Tear of the Supraspinatus Tendon: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Not applicable Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT05590494

This study is testing a new procedure called ultrasonic tenotomy to see if it can help people with partial rotator cuff tears feel less pain and move their shoulders better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Onalaska, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05590494 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of ultrasonic tenotomy in treating partial tears of the supraspinatus tendon, specifically those less than 50% in size. Participants will undergo the procedure and be monitored over time for changes in pain levels, strength, and range of motion in the affected shoulder. The goal is to assess the potential benefits of this innovative approach in improving patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon confirmed by MRI, specifically those with tears less than 50%.

Not a fit: Patients with full thickness tears or other significant shoulder injuries will not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce pain and improve shoulder function for patients with partial rotator cuff tears.

How similar studies have performed: While ultrasonic tenotomy is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in improving outcomes for tendon injuries.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Evidence of partial tear (\< 50%) of the supraspinatus tendon on MRI.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A tear of the supraspinatus tendon greater \> 50% and any areas of full thickness tearing, concomitant tears \> 25% of other rotator cuff tendons (infraspinatus, teres minor or subscapularis), or acute tear of the glenoid labrum.
* Evidence of systemic illness/infection requiring oral or IV antibiotics during the recruitment period.
* Evidence of overlying skin infection or lesion at the proposed device insertion point on the shoulder.
* Previous corticosteroid injection within three months.
* Those individuals less than 25 and greater than 75 years of age will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Onalaska, Wisconsin

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 Supraspinatus TearUltrasonic tenotomy
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.