RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

SupraScapular Cuff Study: Assessing the Effects of Size and Type of Rotator Cuff Tear on Suprascapular Nerve Function

This research is investigating how tears in the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder, which can cause pain and difficulty moving your arm, might affect a specific nerve called the suprascapular nerve. Researchers want to understand if the size and type of the tendon tear can damage this nerve. The study will also look into whether the nerve can get better after the torn tendon is surgically repaired. Another goal is to find out if there's a point beyond which nerve damage becomes permanent and what factors might help protect the nerve from injury. Ultimately, the hope is that the information gathered will improve surgical methods for people with rotator cuff tears.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Enrolment target

250

Start

23 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2029

Orthopedic Disorder

What is this study about?

This study, called the SupraScapular Cuff Study, is all about understanding the connection between tears in your shoulder's rotator cuff tendons and a nearby nerve called the suprascapular nerve. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help you lift and rotate your arm, and tears in these can cause pain and weakness.

Researchers are particularly interested in finding out if the size and pattern of a rotator cuff tear can lead to damage in the suprascapular nerve. This nerve is important for controlling some of your shoulder muscles and providing feeling. If this nerve is damaged, it can make shoulder problems even more complex.

The study also aims to see if an injured suprascapular nerve can get better if the rotator cuff tear is fixed with surgery. They want to learn if there's a limit to how much a tendon can retract (pull back) before the nerve is permanently damaged. By understanding these things, the doctors hope to discover what might protect the nerve from injury and use this knowledge to make surgical procedures for rotator cuff tears even better in the future.

Key takeaways

Exploring how rotator cuff tear size affects a nearby nerve.
Investigating if nerve damage can recover after shoulder surgery.
Looking for factors that protect the nerve from injury.
Aiming to improve future surgical methods for shoulder tears.
Participation involves routine diagnostic tests like MRI and nerve studies.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, who has been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear in one or both of your shoulders. This diagnosis would typically come from a specialist at a hospital shoulder clinic.

However, there are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have significant arthritis in your shoulder or another bone problem that would prevent you from having an isolated rotator cuff repair. You also can't have unusual shoulder anatomy, specific nerve conditions like Motor Neuron Disease or certain neck problems affecting your nerves.

Other reasons for not being able to participate include having had previous shoulder surgery, being unable to have an MRI scan or a nerve conduction test, or having a recent shoulder fracture or dislocation. Finally, you must be willing and able to understand and agree to the study procedures.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear?
Do you have severe shoulder arthritis or other major bone problems in your shoulder?
Have you had previous surgery on the affected shoulder?
Are you able to have an MRI scan and a nerve conduction test?
Are you willing to follow study instructions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be given any new medications. Instead, the study will involve standard tests that are often part of diagnosing and planning treatment for shoulder problems. These include MRI scans, which use magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your shoulder, and nerve conduction studies (NCS), which measure how well your nerves are working. The study is simply observing and gathering information from these established procedures. The total length of your participation would depend on your treatment and follow-up plan, but the main involvement is around these diagnostic tests.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not offer direct personal benefits, as it's observational and focused on gaining knowledge, but your involvement will be crucial in helping doctors better understand rotator cuff tears and nerve damage, potentially leading to improved care for future patients. All tests used, such as MRI and nerve conduction studies, are routine medical procedures and are generally safe, but like all medical tests, they carry a very small risk of discomfort or side effects. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a rotator cuff tear?

It's a common injury where one or more of the tendons connecting your shoulder muscles to your arm bone get torn, causing pain and weakness.

What is the suprascapular nerve?

It's an important nerve in your shoulder that helps control some muscles and provides sensation, playing a key role in shoulder movement.

Will I get special treatment in this study?

No, you will receive standard diagnostic care for your shoulder condition. This study mainly involves collecting information from tests you'd likely have anyway.

What does 'nerve conduction study' mean?

It's a test that measures how quickly electrical signals travel through your nerves, to check if they are working properly.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, absolutely. Your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Megan Young

megan.young@uhnm.nhs.uk 01782 675384 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.