Clinical Research Directory

Hospital for Special Surgery Shoulder Arthroplasty Cohort

Total joint replacements are some of the most successful medical devices developed over the last fifty years. They enable millions of people to remain ambulatory and pain free, with minimal risk. In 2002, over 200,000 total hip replacements, 350,000 total knee replacements, and 25,000 total or partial shoulder replacements were performed in the United States (HCUP data). Future use will likely be even higher: it is estimated that by the year 2020, the population 65 and over in developed countries will increase by 71%. Existing studies do not provide adequate prospective data to evaluate long-term outcomes. HSS is a world leader in total joint replacement including total shoulder arthroplasty. However, there is no systematic follow-up or evaluation of patients who have their shoulders replaced here. The purpose of this study is to establish a prospective cohort of HSS total shoulder arthroplasty to evaluate predictors of outcome, causes of failure and to allow ongoing evaluation of the results of our patients over time.

Effects of Oral Tranexamic Acid on Short Term Postoperative Outcomes Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty who receive an extended postoperative course of oral tranexamic acid

Shoulder Innovations Clinical Data Registry

The goal of this multi-center observational study is to collect long-term clinical outcome information for anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (shoulder replacement).

Role of Nutritional Status in Functional Recovery of Older Adults Undergoing Virtual Reality-augmented Shoulder Rehabilitation (VIR)

Malnutrition is a clinical syndrome defined by involuntary weight loss and/or a persistent imbalance between nutritional needs and intake, leading to functional decline. Its prevalence is particularly high among older adults-affecting about 17% of community-dwelling elders, 30% of those in rehabilitation settings, and between 20% and 60% of individuals in acute care environments. Malnutrition is therefore a common yet often underrecognized factor influencing health outcomes in geriatric populations. Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease marked by the deterioration of articular cartilage, results in pain and reduced mobility. It affects approximately 9.6% of men and 18% of women over the age of 60. With global life expectancy rising and populations aging, OA is projected to become the fourth leading cause of disability by 2025. Joint replacement surgery provides significant relief for severe cases, and consequently, an increasing number of adults-averaging around 70 years of age-undergo elective joint replacement surgeries followed by rehabilitation for degenerative OA. In this context, Virtual Reality (VR) technology is emerging as an innovative tool in rehabilitation. VR can create engaging, interactive environments that promote motor relearning by allowing clinicians to adjust practice intensity and provide real-time feedback. This adaptability enables personalized rehabilitation programs designed to enhance patient motivation and adherence. Preliminary studies have shown encouraging results, suggesting that VR-assisted therapy may improve motor recovery and functional outcomes, and its use in rehabilitation settings is rapidly expanding. Previous research has identified a strong link between malnutrition and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and reduced physical performance. However, findings remain inconsistent regarding how nutritional status influences functional recovery in elderly individuals undergoing rehabilitation. While some studies indicate a positive relationship between good nutrition and improved recovery, others suggest that nutritional status affects baseline functional capacity more than the rate or degree of functional improvement during rehabilitation. It is also important to recognize that most available studies have focused on patients admitted for rehabilitation after hip fractures or stroke, conditions often associated with sudden functional decline. To date, only one known study has investigated elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation following hip or knee replacement surgery due to degenerative osteoarthritis. Interestingly, that study found a statistically significant positive association between nutritional status and functional recovery specifically in this subgroup-an association not observed among patients recovering from hip fractures or stroke. Nonetheless, the study had limitations: nutritional status was measured using only the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), and evaluation occurred post-surgery, without preoperative or long-term follow-up data. Moreover, there are no available data on rehabilitation outcomes for shoulder osteoarthritis, an increasingly common condition among older adults that significantly impacts autonomy in daily living. Given these gaps, the current research aims to determine whether malnutrition modifies the effects of VR-enhanced shoulder rehabilitation after elective surgery on functional recovery-that is, the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)-in frail elderly patients. The hypothesis is that poor nutritional status could reduce the benefits of intensive, technology-based rehabilitation, while adequate nutrition may enhance neuroplasticity, muscle strength, and overall recovery potential. This investigation seeks to clarify three main aspects: 1. The prevalence and severity of malnutrition among elderly individuals undergoing elective surgery and subsequent VR-based rehabilitation. 2. The interaction between nutritional status and functional outcomes, examining whether malnutrition acts as an effect modifier or mediator in recovery trajectories. 3. The specific contribution of VR technology in improving rehabilitation adherence, motivation, and overall functional independence compared to conventional therapy. By exploring the intersection between nutrition, aging, and digital rehabilitation, this research could help tailor multidisciplinary interventions that integrate nutritional management and advanced rehabilitation technologies. Such an approach may optimize recovery outcomes, reduce disability, and improve quality of life in frail older adults undergoing joint replacement or shoulder surgery due to osteoarthritis.

Effect of Local Anesthetic Concentration on Rebound Pain: A Randomized Control Study

Randomized control study that compares different concentrations of local anesthetic to investigate whether a lower concentration of local anesthetic would contribute to lower rebound pain scores at 24 hours post op in patients undergoing anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Multi-Center Registry

The objective of the study is a multi-center prospective registry to collect clinical outcomes of anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Post-incision Antimicrobial Wash vs C. Acnes in Shoulder Arthroplasty

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the effect of post-incision wash using various novel antimicrobial solutions on the rate of positive C. Acnes cultures collected from adults undergoing primary shoulder replacement surgery. Subjects will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1 fashion to groups that will receive one of the following treatments: * Post-incision application of Xperience Antimicrobial wash (NextScience, Jacksonville, FL) * Post-incision application of 3% hydrogen peroxide * Post-incision application of 10% povidone-iodine (betadine) * No post-incision treatment (control) The investigators hypothesize that the subjects treated with the antimicrobial solutions after initial incision will have lower rates of positive C. Acnes cultures. The investigators also hypothesize that post-incision application of Xperience Antimicrobial wash and Betadine will have an equal reduction in the incidence of C. acnes as Hydrogen Peroxide.

Early Versus Delayed Rehabilitation After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fracture

Proximal humerus fractures can be a debilitating injury in the elderly, impacting the ability to function independently or complete activities of daily living due to pain and restricted shoulder motion. Evidence has shown that reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is an effective option to improve pain and function for patients with acute displaced proximal humerus fractures. Given that patients undergoing rTSA for proximal humerus fractures typically experience worse functional outcomes, worse patient-reported outcomes, and higher rates of complication compared to those with elective indications for surgical intervention, it is critical to determine a secure path to recovery for these patients after surgery. Early rehabilitation has been proposed to be safe and effective for patients who undergo rTSA for elective indications; however, there is a paucity of research evaluating safety and effectiveness of timing of rehabilitation for rTSA patients in the trauma setting. Currently, there exists a great variability in postoperative rehabilitation protocols across orthopaedic practices. This study's objective is to determine the safety and effectiveness of early postoperative rehabilitation on the outcomes and postoperative complications of patients undergoing rTSA for proximal humerus fractures in order to provide more specific recommendations for this patient population.