Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Using fat tissue to improve rotator cuff repair outcomes

Official title: Long Term Clinical Outcome After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Augmentation With Autologous Microfragmented Lipoaspirate Tissue: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trialin Question Won by Our Research Group.

Run by University of Milan · NCT06960343 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using fat tissue from patients can help improve recovery and results for people having surgery for full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment52 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Milan
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan, Italy)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 11, 2025
Main results expectedOctober 11, 2026
Study endsOctober 11, 2026
Registry record updatedApril 28, 2026
Trial IDNCT06960343 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with full-thickness supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears requiring arthroscopic repair.

Probably not a fit

Patients with partial or massive rotator cuff tears, significant muscle atrophy, or other shoulder instabilities may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous microfragmented lipoaspirate tissue in enhancing the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. It focuses on patients with full-thickness supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears who are undergoing surgery. The study will assess clinical outcomes using the Constant-Murley score at least five years post-surgery, comparing results between those receiving the fat tissue injection and those who do not. Various assessments, including MRI and strength measurements, will be utilized to gather comprehensive data on recovery and function.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved healing and reduced retear rates in rotator cuff repairs.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of autologous fat tissue in surgical procedures is gaining interest, this specific approach in rotator cuff repair is relatively novel and not extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years
* Full-thickness supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears (C1, C2, and C3 according to the SCOI classification)
* Indication for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
* Informed consent to participate in the study
* Informed consent to participate for the duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Partial rotator cuff tendon tears (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, and B3 according to the SCOI classification)
* Massive rotator cuff tear (C4 according to the SCOI classification)
* Subscapularis tendon tear (grade III, IV, or IV according to Lafosse classification)
* Associated anterior, posterior, or multidirectional shoulder instability
* Indication for repair of a SLAP lesion of the biceps anchor
* Grade III or IV muscle atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons (according to Goutallier or Fuchs classification)
* Intra-articular hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid infiltration within 3 mo from the planned surgical procedure
* Medical comorbidities contraindicating arthroscopic shoulder surgery
* Local (shoulder, abdominal region, gluteal region) or systemic infection, osteomyelitis, or sepsis
* Diabetes mellitus, untreated thyroid disease, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis
* Immunodeficiency
* Chronic disorders involving coagulation, platelet aggregation, or severe coagulopathy
* Severe cardiovascular disease
* Stroke or acute cardiovascular event within 6 mo from the planned surgical procedure
* Weight loss for any cause .30 kg in 12 mo or .10 kg in 12 mo without a cause
* Eating disorders or body dysmorphic disorder
* Varices, phlebitis, or scars next to the planned adipose tissue harvesting site
* Alcohol/drug addiction or psychiatric disease compromising compliance with postoperative protocols
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding women
* Informed consent not accepted

Where it's running

  • ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO
    Milan, Italy, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.