Ultrasound evaluation of shoulder issues in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Asymptomatic Shoulder Joint Pathologies in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Compared to Healthy Controls: Case-Controlled Study

Observational Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital · NCT06572696

This study is testing how ultrasound can help find hidden shoulder problems in people with rheumatoid arthritis who don’t have any pain, and comparing those results to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorFatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06572696 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to use ultrasound to assess asymptomatic shoulder joint pathologies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare the findings with healthy controls. It involves 30 RA patients aged 18-75 who have been diagnosed for at least 12 months and have no shoulder pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to the patient group, while a control group of 30 healthy volunteers will be matched for age and gender. The study will collect demographic data and evaluate the degree of damage in shoulder structures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are RA patients aged 18-75 with a diagnosis of RA for at least 12 months and no shoulder pain.

Not a fit: Patients with clinically suspected shoulder pathology or a history of shoulder surgery will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of shoulder joint health in RA patients, potentially leading to earlier interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored joint pathologies in RA, this specific approach using ultrasound for asymptomatic patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* RA patients between the ages of 18-75 who has been diagnosed with RA for at least 12 months according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria and has no complaint of shoulder pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with clinically suspected shoulder pathology, a history of previous shoulder surgery, a history of direct trauma to the shoulder, a history of infectious arthritis, other connective tissue diseases, serious and chronic somatic or psychiatric diseases, any fracture in the upper extremities, and patients with limited joint movement.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

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 Rheumatoid ArthritisShoulder Injuries and DisordersRheumatoid arthritisshouldershoulder impingement syndrome
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.