Six Weeks of Paid Holiday Versus Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression for ShoulderPain

Six Weeks of Paid Holiday Versus Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression for Shoulder Pain

A Pilot Randomized Feasibility Study with Interim Observations

 the Author has decided to stay anonymous

Abstract

Background
Arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) is frequently performed for shoulder pain despite inconsistent evidence regarding its clinical benefit. Non-operative interventions focusing on load reduction and psychosocial recovery remain insufficiently explored.

Objective
To assess the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of comparing ASD with six weeks of fully paid holiday (FPH) in patients with chronic subacromial shoulder pain.

Methods
This ongoing pilot study randomized 32 patients to either ASD (n=16) or FPH (n=16). The primary aim was feasibility, including recruitment, adherence, and patient acceptance. Clinical outcomes were collected as exploratory endpoints.

Results (Interim)
Recruitment was completed ahead of schedule. Compliance in the FPH group exceeded expectations. Preliminary outcome measures suggest at least comparable, and in some domains slightly superior, improvements in the FPH group. No serious adverse events have occurred in the FPH arm to date.

Conclusion
Early pilot data indicate that a full-scale trial comparing ASD with paid holiday is feasible and ethically challenging to discontinue. Final conclusions await completion of follow-up.