Comparing lipofilling and conservative treatment for fingertip injuries

Randomized Prospective Study Evaluating the Benefit of the Treatment of the Distal Amputation Sequelae of the Fingers by Lipofilling - LIPOFILLING Study

NA · University Hospital, Brest · NCT04076397

This study is testing if a fat injection treatment can help people with fingertip injuries feel less pain and improve their sensation compared to regular treatment methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Brest (other)
Locations2 sites (Brest and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04076397 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of autologous graft reinjection, known as lipofilling, in treating troublesome pulpal dysesthesia following distal finger amputations. Patients aged 18 to 75 with specific criteria related to their fingertip injuries will be enrolled to assess the impact of this intervention compared to conservative treatment methods. The study aims to objectively measure the discomfort experienced by patients using a standardized pain assessment tool. The goal is to determine if lipofilling can significantly improve patient outcomes in terms of sensation and pain relief.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with unidigital trauma and persistent dysesthesia lasting between 6 to 24 months.

Not a fit: Patients with multi-digital trauma, long-standing dysesthesia over 24 months, or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide significant relief from dysesthesia and improve the quality of life for patients with fingertip injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of lipofilling for this condition may be novel, similar interventions have shown promise in other areas of reconstructive surgery.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Major patient (18 years old) and ≤ 75 years old
* Patient with unidigital trauma downstream of distal interphalangeal joint
* Treated by directed healing OR covered by a flap
* Presenting troublesome pulpal dysesthesia evolving for more than 6 months AND less than 24 months
* The discomfort must be objectified by a DN4 score greater than or equal to 4/10 (neuropathic pain)
* Patient does not have any allergy to the substances used, in particular anesthetic: xylocaine, adrenaline

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient with cutaneous sepsis, or amputation upstream of distal interphalangeal, or reimplantation, or dysesthesia that has been in progress for more than 24 months, or multi-digital traumatism
* Refusal of the patient to integrate the protocol Or incapacity to consent
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
* Tumor history of the amputated finger

Where this trial is running

Brest and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Distal Amputation of the Fingers, annoying pulpal dysesthesia, lipofilling, amputation, sequelae

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.