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Shoulder & Elbow Research

ongoing studies

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture Study

Fit Man with Skipping Rope

Study Overview

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Distal biceps tendon rupture is an uncommon injury predominantly affects men on their dominant extremity. The mechanism of injury typically involves rapid elbow flexion against resistance that results in sudden loss of strength and acute pain. Different treatment options are considered for this injury depending on multiple patient and injury factors. These options include conservative management (non-surgical), surgical repair, or reconstruction using an allograft.

 

Patients with this injury will be retrospectively identified and these different treatment options and their long-term outcomes will be assessed. A subset of these individuals will be invited to McCaig Institute for Biodex flexion & supination strength testing and long-term patient reported outcomes.

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Current Status

Active, Currently recruiting.

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Lead Principal Investigator

Dr. Neil White

The DECIPHER Study : Proximal Humerus Fractures in the Elder Population

Working Out at Home

STUDY OVERVIEW: 

Determinants of Function and Clinically Important Outcomes in Proximal Humerus in the Elder population: A National Cohort. ​

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Proximal humerus fractures, a type of shoulder fracture, affect many people, especially those 50 years and older. Doctors are uncertain what causes some patients to recover better than others and we are trying to find the best method for treating these fractures. This study is an observational study, meaning no experimental treatment methods or tests are performed, only observed information on your injury and how you recover is collected.

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current STATUS

Currently recruiting. 

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Lead Principal Investigator

Dr. Emil Schemitsch & Dr. Micheal McKee 

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Local Principal Investigator

Dr. Marlis Sabo

Elbow Hemiarthroplasty (EHA) for Distal Humerus Fractures

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STUDY OVERVIEW: 

The Trajectory of Recovery and Outcomes for Uncommon Elbow, Hand and  Wrist Injuries: Elbow Hemiarthroplasty (EHA) for distal humerus fractures. ​

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This study evaluates the long-term clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes of elbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA) for complex, non-reconstructable distal humerus fractures. EHA replaces the distal humeral component while preserving the rest of the joint anatomy, making it a viable option when internal fixation is not possible due to the complexity of the fracture or bone condition.


EHA offers a unique approach that may be suitable for specific fracture patterns and patient needs. Although its usage is increasing, comprehensive long-term data are still developing. By increasing cohort sample size, this study aims to provide valuable insights into patient experiences, functional outcomes, and overall recovery following EHA. These findings will enhance clinical decision-making and contribute to evidence-based care for rare elbow injuries.

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current STATUS

Currently recruiting. 

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Lead Principal Investigator

Dr. Neil White

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Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA) for Distal Humerus Fractures After Failed Fixation

elbow b&w.jfif

STUDY OVERVIEW: 

Outcomes for Uncommon Elbow, Hand, and Wrist: TEA for distal humerus fractures after failed fixation. ​​​

 
Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) performed after failed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of distal humerus fractures remains a complex and relatively rare clinical scenario. Surgical interventions for TEA remain well-established and outcomes are promising for restoring function and alleviating pain when fracture complexity or compromised bone quality limits the viability of fixation, and unlike elbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA), TEA rather involves replacement of both the humeral and ulnar components.


As cases requiring TEA after failed ORIF are uncommon, treatment options often rely on limited evidence and expert opinion. This research seeks to address this gap by systematically evaluating functional outcomes and patient experiences following TEA, thereby enhancing surgical planning and informing improved care pathways for these complex injuries.

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current STATUS

Completed and in the process of publication. 

Lead Principal Investigator

Dr. Neil White

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PERK 2 : Ketotifen and Preventing Elbow Stiffness

Elbow Greetings

STUDY OVERVIEW: 

Randomized, controlled, double-blinded multicenter trial testing whether Ketotefin Fumarate is efficacious in reducing joint contracture severity 

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Injured joints, especially the elbow, are at risk for permanent motion loss, also known as joint contractures. Joint contractures limit the function of a person due to the loss of elbow motion. Current research suggests that mast cells, which are found in the joint, are key in causing the joint contracture. Ketotifen has been linked to stabilizing the mast cells and preventing the joint contracture.

The purpose of this trial is to determine if patients with elbow fractures, dislocations or both will benefit from taking Ketotifen within 7 days from injury for a period of 6 weeks. There will be 702 participants enrolled in 17 centers across North America.

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current STATUS

Recruitment Closed. Analysis in Progress. 

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Lead Principal Investigator

Dr. Kevin Hildebrand 

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Local Principal Investigator

Dr. Neil White 

completed studies

Rotator Cuff Surgical Outcomes in Women

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The University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board has approved this research study (REB15-1229)

Study Overview

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Rotator cuff problems are common and painful. Most people get good results from having surgery, but not everybody does. This study looks at some factors that may affect patient satisfaction with their shoulder surgery.

This study examines the influence of gender, anxiety and depression, coping style, height, and forward reach on results of rotator cuff surgery.

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Current Status

Study Complete. 146 participants recruited. Published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 

To learn more, visit: Patient gender and rotator cuff surgery: are there differences in outcome? | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)

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Lead Principal Investigator

Dr. Marlis Sabo

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Local collaborator

Dr. Justin LeBlanc

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