Genetic Study of Rotator Cuff Tears: The cuffGEN Study

This study, called cuffGEN, is looking into the genetic causes of rotator cuff tears, which are common shoulder injuries. Researchers want to understand why these tears happen, why some treatments work better for some people, and why some tears come back. They will compare the genes of people with rotator cuff tears (cases) to those without tears (controls) using MRI scans to confirm their condition. The goal is to find common genetic differences that might explain who gets rotator cuff tears and how they respond to treatment. You might be able to join if you are between 40 and 85 years old and have either a confirmed rotator cuff tear or no tear, as shown on an MRI.

Study design
This is an observational study aiming to enroll 3500 participants. It is designed to compare the genes of people with and without rotator cuff tears.
What's involved
Participants will complete a questionnaire about their medical history, mental health, and expectations for treatment. They will also complete two questionnaires about shoulder pain and function.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary genetic analysis will be measured at 10 years.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04831164

Genetic Epidemiology of Rotator Cuff Tears: The cuffGEN Study

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 40–85Observational
University of Michigan
~3,500 participants
Updated 2026-02-10 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:NA (not an interventional study)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
3 of 10 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Genome wide association meta-analysis of cases and controls
Measured over 10 years
Rotator Cuff Tears

NCT04831164

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 10 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Iowa

    Iowa City, Iowastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor, Michiganstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    Dallas, Texasstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Ohio State University

    Columbus, Ohiono site contact published

    Not yet recruiting

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

    Boston, Massachusettsno site contact published

    Completed

  • Boston Medical Center

    Boston, Massachusettsno site contact published

    Completed

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusettsno site contact published

    Completed

  • Orthopedic Institute

    Sioux Falls, South Dakotano site contact published

    Completed

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Nitin Jain, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Michigan

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Aged ≥40 years to \< 85 years
Confirmed diagnosis of partial or full-thickness cuff tear on MRI (Cases) OR absence of rotator cuff tear on shoulder MRI (Controls)
Ability and willingness to provide informed consent
Ability to complete questionnaires in English (to maintain scientific integrity since standardized questionnaires are extensively validated in English)

Exclusion

Acute rotator cuff tear caused by a severe trauma
  • Genome wide association meta-analysis of cases and controls10 years

    Discovery of targeted variants in MRI verified cases and controls