2. Research
  3. Clinical Research
  4. Shoulder and Elbow Research
  5. Shoulder and Elbow Active & Recent Research Projects

Shoulder and Elbow Active & Recent Research Projects

The program maintains an extensive and active portfolio spanning prospective clinical trials, multicenter studies, biomechanical research, imaging-based investigations, and national database analyses. Major research areas include rotator cuff healing and biologic augmentation, acromioclavicular (ACJ) joint biomechanics and outcomes, shoulder arthroplasty, mixed reality/advanced technology, and patient-reported outcomes.

Active Clinical Trials & Data Collection:

  • ACJ R01 Multicenter Study: Co-investigator on NIH R01-funded multicenter, longitudinal study of ACJ reconstruction techniques. 10 patients enrolled at UT; 6 enrolled at Vail; MRIs at McGovern; 4 patients completed 6- and 12-month visits including MRIs.
  • RSA Biomechanics Study: 16 patients completed. Ongoing enrollment; manuscript preparation underway. Analysis of pre-op blueprint vs. actual vs. post-op blueprint; Alonso separating out all movements. STL files and models confirmed with Stryker.
  • Forgotten Shoulder Score (FJS) Validation: Writing up validation study; pending user agreement.
  • Skye RCR Randomized Clinical Trial: Enrollment completed (n=60); 3–4 months of follow-up remaining.
  • Metaphyseal Bone Density & RSA Subsidence: 238 additional patient data points collected. Connecting with Maddy, Matt Smith, and Chuheng for next steps.
  • TSA Outcomes in Patients Under 55: Cohorts matched 1:1; 33 case and 33 control patients enrolled; data analysis underway. Includes breakout study of CPO in young vs. older patients.
  • Pre-op PROs Predicting Progression to Surgery (SRP): SRP proposal submitted by Allie.
  • Shoulder iD Study (Stryker): Continued follow-ups, ~1.5 years left (out of 2 year post-op)
  • Perform Fracture Study (Stryker): Continued follow-ups, ~8 years left (out of 10 year post-op)

Studies Under IRB Review / Pending Submission:

  • Pyrocarbon vs. anatomic TSA RCT – UT IRB approved, waiting on MH IRB approval
  • Fractional conjoint tendon lengthening RCT (Payam) – pending IRB approval
  • SYLKE vs. Prineo wound closure RCT (Matt Smith/Shyon) – pending IRB approval

Funded Research Infrastructure:

  • Three industry-sponsored Stryker studies related to shoulder arthroplasty and fracture systems (ongoing)
  • NIH R01 multicenter ACJ reconstruction study (co-investigator role, ongoing)