Comparing surgical and non-surgical treatments for finger osteoarthritis
Official title: Denervation for Osteoarthritis in the PIP-joint Efficacy Study (DOPS), a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT05980793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether surgery or non-surgical treatments like education and exercise work better for people with osteoarthritis in their finger joints.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 25, 2023 |
| Main results expected | July 15, 2028 |
| Study ends | July 15, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | December 2, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05980793 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with chronic symptomatic osteoarthritis in the PIP joint and radiological evidence of the condition.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with inflammatory arthritis, ongoing infections in the hand, or those who have received certain injections in the affected joint within the last three months may 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 aims to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical denervation versus non-surgical treatment, which includes patient education and exercise, in patients suffering from osteoarthritis in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups, and their pain levels, functional outcomes, grip strength, and range of motion will be assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. The study seeks to determine if surgical intervention provides greater benefits compared to non-surgical methods. The primary endpoint will be evaluated 12 months after the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with more effective treatment options for managing pain and improving function in finger osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with surgical interventions for osteoarthritis, but this specific comparison of surgical versus non-surgical treatment for PIP joint osteoarthritis is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years. * Chronic symptomatic osteoarthritis in the PIP-joint. * Radiological signs of osteoarthritis on posteroanterior and lateral radiographs assessed by the Kellgren-Lawrence classification (grade II-IV) (Kellgren \& Lawrence, 1957). * Clinical signs of PIP-joint arthritis. Exclusion Criteria: * Inflammatory arthritis. * Ongoing infection in the hand. * Inability to co-operate with the follow-up protocol. * Intra-articular glucocorticoid, PRP or Hyaluronic acid injections in the affected joint less than 3 months prior to enrollment.
Where it's running
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Department of Hand Surgery, Södersjukhuset
Stockholm, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elin Sward, MD, PhD — Department of Hand Surgery Sodersjukhuset and Karolinska Institutet
- Study coordinator: Elin Sward, MD, PhD
- Email: elin.sward@regionstockholm.se
- Phone: +46812361000
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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.