NCT07372222

Effect of a Posterior Shoulder Pillow on Pain and Sleep Quality After Rotator Cuff Repair

Effect of a Posterior Shoulder Pillow on Pain and Sleep Quality After Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Cohort Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 126 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Peking University Third Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical study is to learn if using a special pillow placed behind the shoulder can help to reduce pain and improve sleep for patients after surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do patients who choose to use the posterior shoulder pillow have lower pain levels after surgery? * Do these patients report better sleep quality during recovery? * How safe and comfortable is the pillow for patients to use? Researchers will compare patients who use the pillow to those who do not use it to see if there is a difference in their recovery. Participants will: * Be asked about their willingness to use the pillow. Their treatment and recovery plan will be decided together with their doctor. * Be asked to rate their pain and sleep quality several times after surgery: at 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks. * Have their shoulder function assessed by a clinician at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery. * Receive a standard MRI scan before and 6 weeks after surgery as part of their regular medical care to check on healing.

Conditions

• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Postoperative Pain
• Sleep Quality

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Posterior Shoulder Pillow	This is a standardized protocol for using a regular hospital ward pillow placed behind the shoulder (between the scapula and the bed) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients in the intervention group are instructed to start using the pillow within 24 hours after surgery and maintain its use during rest and sleep for the 6-week study period. The pillow aims to provide support and improve comfort.
OTHER	Conventional Rehabilitation Protocol	This is the standard post-operative care for patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. It includes cryotherapy (ice packs), pharmacological analgesia (pain medication), and a progressive program of functional exercises guided by a physical therapist. This protocol is administered to all patients in the study, regardless of group assignment.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-15
• Primary completion: 2027-12-15
• Completion: 2027-12-15
• First posted: 2026-01-28
• Last updated: 2026-01-28