NCT05997381 · CONMED Corporation
BioBrace® Implant for Arthroscopic Repair of Full Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears
(REinForce)
What this study is about
This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair augmented with the BioBrace® Implant vs. arthroscopic rotator cuff repair alone in subjects requiring surgical intervention for a full-thickness rotator cuff tear.
View original scientific description
This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair augmented with the BioBrace® Implant vs. arthroscopic rotator cuff repair alone in subjects requiring surgical intervention for a full-thickness rotator cuff tear.
Interventions
DEVICE
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with BioBrace® Implant augmentation.
An arthroscopic rotator cuff repair will be performed and augmented with the BioBrace® Implant. The BioBrace® Implant is intended for use in surgical procedures for reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists. It is a bioresorbable, biocomposite scaffold composed of a highly porous collagen sponge and reinforced with poly-L-lactic-acid (PLLA). When used in rotator cuff repairs, it is placed on top of the tendons to augment and reinforce the underlying repair. The BioBrace® is designed to mechanically and biologically augment weakened or torn soft tissue and can be integrated into surgeons' standard of care rotator cuff repair techniques.
PROCEDURE
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
An arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is performed using standard surgical procedure.
Primary outcome measures
6 Month Retear Rate
Time frame: 6 months post-op
The between-group difference in radiological incidence (MRI) of a Sugaya Type IV or V full-thickness discontinuity at postoperative Month 6.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Male or female 40 to 70 years old
- Positive diagnostic imaging by MRI within 6 months of enrollment of the index shoulder indicating a full thickness rotator cuff tear (RCT):
- Tear of the supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendons
- Tear size ≥ 2 cm and \< 5 cm
- Chronic shoulder pain ≥ 3 months
- Failed non-operative treatment of the index shoulder to include one or all of the following:
- Oral analgesics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Activity modifications
- Physical therapy or home-guided exercises
- Able to read and understand the study REB/IRB approved Informed Consent Form (ICF)
- Willing to be available to attend each protocol-required follow-up examination Intraoperative Inclusion Criteria:
- Full thickness tear of the supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendons
- Tear size ≥ 2 cm and \< 5 cm
- Able to reapproximate the tendons to cover \> 50% of the footprint on the greater tuberosity
Exclusion criteria
- Previous surgery of the index shoulder one year prior to the study surgery excluding diagnostic arthroscopy
- Fatty infiltration of the index shoulder rotator cuff muscle ≥ Grade 3 (Goutallier Score)
- Major medical condition that could affect quality of life and influence the results of the study as determined by the Investigator
- Oral steroid use or steroid injection within 6 weeks prior to surgery
- Active smoker
- History of insulin-dependent diabetes
- Documented evidence of a history (e.g., liver testing) of drug/alcohol abuse within 12 months of enrollment
- Hypersensitivity to any investigational device materials including collagen of animal origin (bovine type-I), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG)
- Presence of an implanted metallic device or other implants that would contraindicate acquisition or inhibit radiologist review of an MRI of the index shoulder
- History of claustrophobia that would prevent an MRI of the index shoulder
- Females of child-bearing potential who are either pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant during the course of the study
- Currently participating, or plans to enroll in another clinical trial during this study that would affect the outcomes of this study as determined by the Investigator
- History of non-compliance with medical treatment or clinical trial participation
- The subject is physically or mentally compromised (e.g., currently being treated for a psychiatric disorder, senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease, etc.), to the extent that the Investigator judges the subject to be unable or unlikely to remain compliant with protocol required follow-up
- Any comorbidity or condition that renders the patient a poor surgical candidate as determined by the Investigator
- The subject is receiving prescription narcotic pain medication
- The subject currently has an acute infection in the area surrounding the surgical site
- Contralateral shoulder condition where rotator cuff repair is scheduled or to be scheduled over the course of this study
- The subject's condition represents a worker's compensation case Intraoperative Exclusion Criteria: 1\. Subject requires subscapularis repair other than a repair with a single anchor
Where
- New Haven, Connecticut
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations