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

June 16, 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

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
Time Frame: 6 months post-surgery
Sugaya Classification
6 months post-surgery
Range of Motion
Time Frame: 3-6-12 months
flextion, abduction, internat rotation, external rotation
3-6-12 months
Clinical Scores
Time Frame: 3-6-12 months
ASES
3-6-12 months
Clinical Scores
Time Frame: 3-6-12 months
Constant-Murley
3-6-12 months
Clinical Scores
Time Frame: 3-6-12 months
Oxford
3-6-12 months

Collaborators and Investigators

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

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)

June 22, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 16, 2026

Last Verified

June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

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

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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