Chronic Anterior Shoulder Instability in the Military
This study is about shoulder dislocations, a common injury where the arm bone pops out of its socket at the front of the shoulder. While sports players often get this, we don't know much about how it affects people in the military. Once someone dislocates their shoulder, there's a good chance it could happen again, leading to more joint damage over time. Currently, decisions about a soldier's fitness after a dislocation are often based on doctors' experience or information from the general public. This research aims to collect specific information directly from military members to better understand this problem and improve how we support them in their recovery and return to duty.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study focuses on a problem called 'anterior shoulder instability'. This is a medical term for when the front part of your shoulder becomes loose and your arm bone can easily pop out of its socket, known as a dislocation. While we know a lot about how this affects athletes, there isn't much information about how it impacts people serving in the military. This is important because once you've dislocated your shoulder, there's a high chance it could happen again, which can cause more damage to your shoulder joint over time and make it harder to do everyday activities.
Currently, when a military doctor needs to decide if a soldier is fit for duty after a shoulder dislocation, they don't have much specific information or guidelines for military personnel. They often rely on their own experience or general information from studies done on people outside the military. This study aims to change that.
By taking part, you would be helping researchers gather important details directly from military members who have experienced a shoulder dislocation. This information will help us understand the problem better within the armed forces, which could lead to improved care, clearer guidelines for doctors, and better support for soldiers in the future.
Key takeaways
- The study focuses on shoulder dislocations in military members.
- It aims to understand how often dislocations happen and their impact.
- Participation involves interviews and questionnaires, no treatments.
- Information gathered could help improve care for soldiers in the future.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a military member who has dislocated your shoulder for the first time. You must be 18 years old or older, and able to read and write in French. You also need to agree to take part.
However, you can't join if you've already dislocated the same shoulder before, or if you've had surgery on that shoulder. You also can't take part if you have certain health conditions like collagen disease, inflammatory arthritis, or a history of rotator cuff injury in that shoulder. If you're under legal protection, can't read/write French well enough, or simply don't want to participate, you won't be able to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a member of the military?
- Have you dislocated your shoulder for the very first time (and not previously on the same shoulder)?
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Can you read and write in French comfortably?
- Do you *not* have other specific shoulder problems or certain health conditions (like inflammatory arthritis)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to have interviews and fill out questionnaires. This will involve answering questions about your shoulder injury, how it affects you, and other relevant information. We don't specify the exact number of visits or the total time involved, but the goal is to gather information about your experience through these discussions and forms. There are no medications or special treatments involved in this study. The commitment would primarily involve your time for the interviews and questionnaires.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées PercyVerified postcodeClamart, France
- Direction Médicale des ForcesVerified postcodeTours, France
Common questions
What is a 'shoulder dislocation'?
It's when the ball of your upper arm bone pops out of its socket in the shoulder joint. This study specifically looks at when it dislocates forwards.
Why is this study only for military personnel?
The study wants to understand how shoulder dislocations affect soldiers and how they're currently managed, as there isn't much specific information for this group compared to the general public.
Will this study involve any treatments or medications?
No, this study only involves answering questions in interviews and questionnaires. There are no medical treatments, drugs, or physical interventions involved.
What happens if I change my mind after joining?
You can leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or standing in the military.
Will my information be kept private?
The information collected will be handled carefully to protect your privacy. Specific details on how your data will be kept anonymous and secure will be provided before you agree to participate.
How to find out more
Alexandre SABATE FERRIS, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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