Ultrasound-Guided Treatments for Chronic Shoulder Pain in Wheelchair Users with Spinal Cord Injury

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two different treatments for chronic shoulder pain in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). One treatment is a corticosteroid injection, which is the current standard of care, and the other is micro-fragmented adipose (fat) tissue injection, which is experimental. 

Actively Recruiting
Yes
Duration

The study lasts approximately 6 months including 6 visits. The initial screening visit is 2-3 hours, while the follow-up visits are 1-2 hours each. 

Inclusion Criteria
  • Individuals with paralysis from a spinal cord injury that occurred at least 12 months prior to screening visit
  • Aged 18-70
  • Level of injury is between C6 & L5.
  • Have shoulder pain due to rotator cuff disease lasting longer than 6 months in spite of completing conservative treatment (e.g. physical therapy, medication, injections, etc.)
  • Average shoulder pain the week before screening was at least a 4 out of 10 on an 11-point numerical rating scale (0= "no pain," 10 = "worst pain imaginable")
  • Do not walk except for exercise purposes and use a manual or power wheelchair as a primary means of mobility.
Compensation

$300 for completing the study. 

IRB Number:

R-1066-19

Research Coordinator
Shalaka A. Paranjpe