Using a bioinductive graft to treat large rotator cuff tears

A Prospective, Randomized Evaluation of Bioinductive Augmentation for High Risk Rotator Cuff Tears

Not applicable Interventional Nova Scotia Health Authority · NCT04248751

This study is testing a new type of graft to see if it can help people with large rotator cuff tears heal better and reduce the chances of needing more surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment76 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other
Locations1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Trial IDNCT04248751 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a bioinductive graft in treating large rotator cuff tears greater than 3 cm, which are often difficult to repair surgically. Patients with confirmed large rotator cuff tears will undergo surgical intervention involving debridement and the application of the graft. The goal is to improve healing rates and reduce the high re-tear rates associated with traditional surgical techniques. The study will assess patient outcomes in terms of pain relief and functional improvement post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with MRI-confirmed large rotator cuff tears resulting from trauma or degeneration.

Not a fit: Patients with specific shoulder conditions, such as subscapular tears or glenohumeral osteoarthritis, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance healing rates and reduce the likelihood of re-tears in patients with large rotator cuff injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been various surgical techniques for rotator cuff repair, the use of bioinductive grafts is a relatively novel approach that has not been extensively tested in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proven diagnosis of a large \>3cm tear of the shoulder rotator cuff in a competent adult (\>18 years of age).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with subscapular tear
* Glenohumeral osteoarthritis
* A normalized WORC score \>70 (where scores range between 0-100, and 100 is the best outcome)
* Uncontrolled diabetes (Hgb A1C \>7%)
* Pregnancy
* Presence of local or systemic infection
* Inability to cooperate with and/or comprehend post-operative instructions
* Nonvascular surgical sites (MRI proven)
* Poor nutritional state (Alb \<30 g/L)
* Cancer
* Paralysis of the shoulder
* Contracture of the shoulder
* Presence of cuff tear arthropathy or osteoarthritis of the shoulder
* Patients unable to provide informed consent for the study

Where this trial is running

Halifax, Nova Scotia

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 TearRotator Cuff Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.