Rotator cuff tears are the most common cause of shoulder disability and pain accounting for 4.5 million physician visits and 75,000 surgeries annually. There is paucity of evidence addressing the diagnostic value of clinical history and physical examination of the shoulder. Consequently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used frequently to make a diagnosis of rotator cuff tear. Shoulder ultrasound is portable, office-based, and ~ 75% less expensive than MRI for diagnosis of rotator cuff tears. However, the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound has not been established. This study will assess the sensitivity and specificity of a combination of select symptoms, physical examination findings, and ultrasound as compared to MRI and expert clinical diagnosis as a criterion standard. There is little evidence on the best treatment approach for rotator cuff tears and on factors associated with better outcomes of operative and non-operative treatment. There is no evidence from randomized clinical trials in this area. Current decision-making on non-operative treatment versus surgery is based largely on anecdotal clinical experience. Our study will determine predictors of pain and functional outcomes of non-operative and operative treatment of rotator cuff tears at two year follow-up period. Results from our study will provide evidence to inform clinical decision-making. This work will also lay a framework for a randomized controlled trial of surgery versus non-operative treatment which will be proposed in the final years of this award. The candidate's clinical background in Rehabilitation Medicine, and prior work in musculoskeletal diseases and patient-oriented studies is ideally suited for this mentored patient-oriented research program. His research and clinical environments at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School offer him stimulating and rich learning opportunities. During the K23 award period, the candidate will obtain advanced training in research methodology, and shoulder disorders and imaging. The candidate will benefit from mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey N. Katz, a leading international expert in musculoskeletal diseases research. The candidate's mentoring team will also include Dr. Elena Losina, a biostatistician and independently funded R01 investigator, with extensive experience in mentoring of junior investigators;Dr. Laurence Higgins, an international clinical expert in shoulder disorders and Chief of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and;Dr. Joel Newman, a radiologist with expertise in shoulder ultrasound. The candidate with his prior training, research productivity, and clinical interests is uniquely situated to deliver the proposed research agenda and benefit from a highly qualified mentoring team.

Public Health Relevance

The study will fill a void in knowledge on diagnosis and treatment for patients with rotator cuff tears. Results from this study on diagnostic strategy for cuff tears can result in future healthcare cost savings. The study will also provide information on which patients may benefit more from operative versus non-operative treatment.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)
Project #
5K23AR059199-04
Application #
8523795
Study Section
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Special Grants Review Committee (AMS)
Program Officer
Panagis, James S
Project Start
2010-09-30
Project End
2015-08-31
Budget Start
2013-09-01
Budget End
2014-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$132,368
Indirect Cost
$9,805
Name
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
030811269
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Coronado, Rogelio A; Seitz, Amee L; Pelote, Erica et al. (2018) Are Psychosocial Factors Associated With Patient-reported Outcome Measures in Patients With Rotator Cuff Tears? A Systematic Review. Clin Orthop Relat Res 476:810-829
Jain, Nitin B; Ayers, Gregory D; Fan, Run et al. (2018) Predictors of Pain and Functional Outcomes After the Nonoperative Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears. Orthop J Sports Med 6:2325967118788531
Jain, Nitin B; Ayers, Gregory D; Fan, Run et al. (2018) Predictors of pain and functional outcomes after operative treatment for rotator cuff tears. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 27:1393-1400
Jain, Nitin B; Fan, Run; Higgins, Laurence D et al. (2018) Does My Patient With Shoulder Pain Have a Rotator Cuff Tear?: A Predictive Model From the ROW Cohort. Orthop J Sports Med 6:2325967118784897
Jain, Nitin B; Luz, Jennifer; Higgins, Laurence D et al. (2017) The Diagnostic Accuracy of Special Tests for Rotator Cuff Tear: The ROW Cohort Study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 96:176-183
Dabija, Dominique I; Gao, Chan; Edwards, Todd L et al. (2017) Genetic and familial predisposition to rotator cuff disease: a systematic review. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 26:1103-1112
Miller, Jennifer Earle; Higgins, Laurence D; Dong, Yan et al. (2016) Association of Strength Measurement with Rotator Cuff Tear in Patients with Shoulder Pain: The Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup Study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 95:47-56
Page, Matthew J; McKenzie, Joanne E; Green, Sally E et al. (2015) Core domain and outcome measurement sets for shoulder pain trials are needed: systematic review of physical therapy trials. J Clin Epidemiol 68:1270-81
Curry, Emily J; Matzkin, Elizabeth E; Dong, Yan et al. (2015) Structural Characteristics Are Not Associated With Pain and Function in Rotator Cuff Tears: The ROW Cohort Study. Orthop J Sports Med 3:2325967115584596
Jain, Nitin B; Ayers, Gregory D; Peterson, Emily N et al. (2015) Traumatic spinal cord injury in the United States, 1993-2012. JAMA 313:2236-43

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