Perianchor Cyst Formation, Tendon Healing, and Clinical Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

July 2, 2026 updated by: Muhammet Sivritaş, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital

Evaluating the Impact of Anchor Parameters on Perianchor Cyst Formation, Tendon Healing, and Clinical Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Prospective Cohort Study

Perianchor cyst formation is frequently observed after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair; however, its clinical significance remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between anchor-related parameters and cyst formation, as well as their association with tendon healing and functional outcomes.

Study Overview

Status

Active, not recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Perianchor cyst formation is a commonly observed finding on MRI after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, but its clinical significance is still unclear. These cysts may be related to mechanical factors such as stress distribution around the anchor, micromotion at the bone-anchor interface, and local bone quality.

Different anchor materials (soft, PEEK, and metal) may behave differently in terms of load transfer and biological response. In addition, surgical factors such as the number of anchors used, their insertion angle, and the repair technique (single-row vs. double-row) may influence the formation and size of peri-anchor cysts. However, the combined effects of these variables have not been clearly defined.

Another important question is whether they reflect impaired tendon healing. Their relationship with tendon integrity, commonly evaluated using the Sugaya classification, remains uncertain. Similarly, it is not clear whether cyst characteristics are associated with clinical outcomes such as pain, shoulder function, and range of motion.

This prospective cohort study aims to evaluate the relationship between anchor-related parameters and perianchor cyst formation in a systematic way. The study will specifically analyze how anchor type, number, insertion angle, and repair configuration affect cyst volume and pericystic fluid accumulation.

In addition, the study will investigate whether peri-anchor cysts are associated with tendon healing and clinical outcomes. MRI findings will be correlated with validated clinical scores (ASES, Constant-Murley, VAS) and range of motion measurements.

A multivariable statistical model will be used to assess both independent and combined (interaction) effects of surgical variables. The potential of peri-anchor cysts as a predictive imaging biomarker for tendon healing and clinical outcomes will also be evaluated.

Overall, this study aims to better understand the clinical importance of peri-anchor cysts and to provide guidance for optimizing anchor selection and surgical technique in rotator cuff repair.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

70

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

      • Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34752
        • Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study will include patients with:

  • Partial- or full-thickness rotator cuff tears
  • Indication for surgical repair based on clinical and imaging findings
  • Ability to comply with postoperative follow-up and MRI evaluation

The population is expected to represent a typical rotator cuff repair cohort in daily clinical practice.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age 18-70 years
  • Undergoing primary arthoroscopic rotator cuff repair
  • Availability for MRI follow-up
  • Ability to provide informed constent

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Previous shoulder surgery
  • Active infection
  • Inflammatory joint disease
  • Acute traumatic massive tears
  • Inability to complete follow-up

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

This study is designed as a single prospective observational cohort including patients undergoing primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

All participants will be followed longitudinally to evaluate peri-anchor cyst formation and its relationship with surgical parameters, tendon healing, and clinical outcomes

Measure of Perianchor Cyst Formation using 3D Slicer Image Computing Platform
Other Names:
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Perianchor Cyst Volume
Time Frame: Up to 12 months
To determine the effect of anchor-related surgical parameters on peri-anchor cyst volume.
Up to 12 months
Deadman's Angle
Time Frame: Up to 12 months
Relation between anchors angle and cyst volume
Up to 12 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Tendon Healing Classification with using Sugaya Classification
Time Frame: 12 months after surgery.
Type I (sufficient thickness with homogeneous low intensity), Type II (sufficient thickness with partial high-intensity area), Type III (insufficient thickness without discontinuity), Type IV (minor discontinuity indicating a small retear), and Type V (major discontinuity indicating a medium or large retear). Types I-III are generally considered indicative of an intact repair, whereas Types IV and V represent retears.
12 months after surgery.
Range of Motion
Time Frame: Preoperatively and 6, and 12 months after surgery.
flextion, abduction, internat rotation, external rotation
Preoperatively and 6, and 12 months after surgery.
American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score
Time Frame: Preoperatively and 6, and 12 months after surgery.
The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score will be used to assess shoulder pain and functional status. The ASES is a validated, patient-reported outcome measure consisting of a pain visual analog scale (VAS) and 10 questions evaluating activities of daily living. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better shoulder function and less pain.
Preoperatively and 6, and 12 months after surgery.
Constant-Murley Score (CMS)
Time Frame: Preoperatively and 6, and 12 months after surgery.
The Constant-Murley Score (CMS) will be used to evaluate overall shoulder function. The CMS is a validated composite outcome measure that assesses pain, activities of daily living, range of motion, and shoulder strength. Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better shoulder function.
Preoperatively and 6, and 12 months after surgery.
Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS)
Time Frame: Preoperatively and 6, and 12 months after surgery.
The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) will be used to assess patient-reported shoulder pain and function. The OSS consists of 12 questions related to pain and activities of daily living experienced over the previous four weeks. Total scores range from 0 to 48, with higher scores indicating better shoulder function and lower levels of pain.
Preoperatively and 6, and 12 months after surgery.

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: ONUR GULTEKIN, MD, FATIH SULTAN MEHMET RESEARCH AND TRANING HOSPITAL

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

May 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

June 1, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

August 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

May 13, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 16, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

June 22, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

July 7, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 2, 2026

Last Verified

July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

  • PAC-RCR-26

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

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