Comparing surgery with pinning to splinting and early mobilization for finger fractures

A Randomized Comparison Between Percutaneous Pinning and Non-surgical Management of Proximal Phalangeal Fractures

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT04561661

This study is testing whether surgery or a splint with early movement works better for healing finger fractures and helping people regain motion.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT04561661 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of splinting and early mobilization versus surgical pinning for treating fractures of the base phalanx of the fingers. It involves a randomized clinical trial where patients with specific finger fractures will be assigned to either surgical treatment or conservative treatment with a splint. The primary outcome measured will be the total active range of motion in the affected finger at multiple follow-up points, while secondary outcomes will include the number of sick days and various patient-reported measures. The goal is to determine which method leads to better functional recovery and fewer complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with fractures of the base phalanx of digits 2-5 in the hand.

Not a fit: Patients with fractures older than 2 weeks, significant angulation, or associated injuries will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive treatment option that improves recovery outcomes for patients with finger fractures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for non-surgical treatments in similar cases, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

-Fractures of the base phalanx of digit 2-5 in the hand.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Fracture older than 2 weeks.
* More than 25° of sagittal plane and/or 10° lateral angulation after reposition.
* Intra-articular step \>1mm.
* Associated fractures in other bones (i e metacarpals, middle and distal phalanges) and/or tendon and nerve injuries in any finger.
* Open fractures.
* Patient age \<18 years.
* Inability to co-operate with the follow-up protocol (i.e. language difficulties, severe psychiatric disorder, cognitive impairment, drug addiction).

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

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.
Conditions Hand InjuriesFinger Fracture
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.