Comparing different immobilization durations after thumb joint surgery
Variable Immobilization Protocol for Arthroplasty of the Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb
This study tests whether keeping the thumb in a cast for 2 weeks or 6 weeks after surgery helps people with thumb arthritis heal better and recover faster.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT04828954 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the optimal duration of postoperative immobilization for patients undergoing arthroplasty of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb due to osteoarthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a 2-week or a 6-week immobilization protocol using a non-removable thumb spica plaster splint. The study aims to balance the benefits of immobilization for healing and pain control against the risks of stiffness and delayed recovery. By establishing an evidence-based rehabilitation protocol, the findings could enhance postoperative care for patients undergoing this common surgical procedure.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 40 and older who are scheduled for arthroplasty of the first carpometacarpal joint.
Not a fit: Patients under 40 years of age or those with prior thumb surgeries or specific inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery protocols that enhance patient outcomes and reduce complications after thumb joint surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited high-level evidence on optimal immobilization durations, similar studies have explored postoperative care in hand surgery, indicating a need for further investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>= 40 years old * Patients undergoing arthroplasty of the first CMC joint including: 1. Trapeziectomy with LRTI 2. Simple Trapeziectomy 3. Suspensionplasty (suture vs. APL) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients \< 40 years of age * Patients who have undergone prior surgical procedures on the thumb base * Patients with history of prior procedure at the base of thumb, or those with plan for concomitant carpal tunnel release or thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) arthrodesis, will be excluded. Concomitant carpal tunnel surgery may skew outcome surveys, and an arthrodesis procedure will warrant a longer length of immobilization following procedure. * Those undergoing implant arthroplasty * Patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis * Patients with diagnosis of hypermobility syndrome
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- University of Chicago Medicine — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer Wolf, MD — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Andrew Straszewski, MD
- Email: Andrew.Straszewski@uchospitals.edu
- Phone: 773-834-3531
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.