CompletedNot Applicable

Can Shoulder Arthroscopy Work

United Kingdom313 participantsStarted 2012-09-14

Plain-language summary

Shoulder problems causing pain and decreased function are very common. Many of these problems are related to the rotator cuff tendons. Shoulder arthroscopy surgery (keyhole surgery) is a common treatment for this pain. This can involve an Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression (ASAD) an operation used to remove bony spurs which may be the cause of the pain. This procedure is widely used despite limited evidence of any effectiveness. This is a randomised controlled trial that will compare ASAD against an investigational shoulder arthroscopy (without spur removal/decompression) to indicate whether spur removal is really necessary and in turn, assessing the effectiveness of the ASAD procedure. Both surgical interventions are routine and will mirror each other except for the spur removal element. Both treatments will be compared against a control (non operative management with specialist reassessment) group to indicate whether surgery in general is effective for patients with subacromial pain. Patients randomised to either of the surgical options will be blinded to the type of surgery they have. This is a multicentre trial taking place in 10 centres in England and Wales. Two satellite studies will also take place. One will involve a subset of patients undergoing MRI scans to examine the effects of their shoulder pain on their brain transmissions. The other will involve collecting tissue samples from patients undergoing surgery.

Who can participate

Age range

35 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Sub-acromial pain of at least 3 month (tendinopathy and partial tear only). * Diagnosed by a Consultant of tendinopathic pain or partial thickness rotator cuff tear * Has had an MRI or Ultrasound Scan to rule out alternative pathology * Eligible for surgery. * Completed a conservative management programme previously including: * physiotherapy that includes a remedial exercise regimen and * at least x1 cortisone injection but not more than 3 injections. Exclusion Criteria: * Full thickness tear of the rotator cuff tendons evident on MRI or Ultrasound imaging * Undergone previous surgery on affected shoulder * Have RA or other inflammatory disorder * Symptomatic cervical spine pathology * Previous septic arthritis * History of radiotherapy on same side as affected shoulder * Patients who have a strong preference for one treatment over another to an extent that they would not participate if allocated to their non- preferred group.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Oxford Shoulder Score

Timeframe: 6 months post randomisation

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01623011

SponsorUniversity of Oxford

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2015-12-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Shoulder Impingement Syndrome trials