Comparing surgical and non-surgical treatments for finger nerve injuries
Official title: Cast Or ePineural Suture for Digital Nerve Injuries - a Randomised Controlled Study
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT05536609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether surgery or a cast works better for helping adults with finger nerve injuries recover and regain feeling and movement.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 166 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm, Stockholm County) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 29, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | December 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05536609 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 20 years old with acute traumatic isolated digital nerve injuries to fingers 2, 3, 4, or 5.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with thumb injuries, palm injuries, or those with certain medical conditions such as dementia or ongoing infections will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of two treatment approaches for isolated digital nerve injuries in fingers: surgical repair using epineural suture and non-operative treatment with a cast. Patients aged 20 and older with acute traumatic nerve injuries will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. The primary outcome will assess digital nerve function through two-point discrimination one year post-treatment, while secondary outcomes will evaluate finger mobility, dexterity, hand function, pain, anxiety, and sick leave duration. Follow-up assessments will occur at multiple intervals over the year following treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols for digital nerve injuries, enhancing recovery and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically comparing these two treatment methods, similar studies on nerve repair techniques have shown promising results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical signs of isolated traumatic digital nerve injury in digits 2, 3, 4 or 5. * Patient age =\> 20 years on day of injury. * Injury location on volar aspect of finger. * Acute sensory dysfunction in suspected digital nerve injury area. Exclusion Criteria: * Digital nerve injury ot the thumb * Digital nerve injury in the palm of the hand (i e proximal to the finger base) * Patient does not speak or read the Swedish language. * Abusive drug or alcohol use * Dementia. * Injury mor than 7 days at dianosis AND/OR operative treatment cannot be offered within 10 days from injury. * Neurologic disease. * Ongoing infektion in the injured finger. * concomittant tendoninjury or fracture in injured or adjacent finger. * Injury mechanism is of blunt or crush charachter
Where it's running
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Karolinska Institutet Södersjukhuset, Department of clinical research and education
Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cecilia Mellstrand Navarro, MD, PhD — Karolinska Institutet
- Study coordinator: Carin Carlsson, MD
- Email: carin.carlsson@regionstockholm.se
- Phone: +46 8 123 616 00
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Sensory nerve tests after finger nerve injury
This study tests whether neurophysiological measurements can reflect finger sensation changes after digital nerve injury, using patients as their own controls.
-
Using electrical stimulation to enhance nerve healing after surgery for digital nerve injuries
This study tests if using electrical stimulation during surgery can help people with finger nerve injuries heal faster and better.
-
VMD-3866 topical gel for chemotherapy-induced nerve pain
This trial will test whether a non-opioid topical gel called VMD-3866 can reduce pain in adults with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.