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The Role of Pectoralis Minor Tightness in the Development of Rotator Cuff Tears

NCT07228936 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 90

Last updated 2026-08-04

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study investigates whether tightness of a small chest muscle called the pectoralis minor is associated with the development of partial rotator cuff tears in the shoulder. Using a propensity score matched case-control design, the study compares patients with rotator cuff tears (case group, n=45) to patients with intact rotator cuffs (control group, n=45).

Adults aged 18-55 who are evaluated by MRI and/or shoulder arthroscopy at Gazi University Hospital may be invited. The case group includes patients found to have partial rotator cuff tears during arthroscopy. The control group includes patients whose rotator cuff was documented as intact by MRI. Groups are matched 1:1 on age, sex, BMI, and dominant side.

Before surgery, two trained clinician measures shoulder posture and pectoralis minor length using simple external tools (a digital caliper and ruler-like square). For arthroscopy patients, the surgeon records general arthroscopic findings. No extra procedures are added for research.

We expect to include 90 participants total. The primary hypothesis is that pectoralis minor tightness is more prevalent in patients with rotator cuff tears compared to controls. A secondary hypothesis is that tears in patients with pectoralis minor tightness more often partial-thickness bursal side rotator cuff tear. Results may help clinicians understand shoulder mechanics and improve prevention or rehabilitation strategies.

Conditions

  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries
  • Pectoralis Minor Tightness
  • Pectoralis Minor Muscle Tension

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Gazi University

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
55 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-06-18
Primary Completion
2026-08-03
Completion
2026-08-03

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07228936 on ClinicalTrials.gov