Comparing treatments for thumb osteoarthritis

Randomized Single Blinded First CMC Osteoarthritis Treatment: Therapy and Bracing Alone vs. Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection vs Intra-Articular Leukocyte Depleted Platelet Rich Plasma

Not applicable Interventional Kettering Health Network · NCT03196310

This study is testing which of three different thumb injections—platelet-rich plasma, corticosteroids, or a placebo—works best to relieve pain for people with thumb osteoarthritis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKettering Health Network Academic / other
Locations1 site (Centerville, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT03196310 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of three different intra-articular injections for treating basal joint arthritis in the thumb: platelet-rich plasma (PRP), corticosteroids, and a placebo (normal saline). The study is single-blinded, meaning that participants will not know which treatment they receive, allowing for an unbiased assessment of outcomes. The trial aims to determine which of these treatments provides the best relief for patients suffering from osteoarthritis in the thumb. Participants must have stage 1-3 osteoarthritis of the basal joint to be eligible.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with stage 1-3 osteoarthritis of the basal joint of the thumb.

Not a fit: Patients with stage 4 osteoarthritis or those with certain concurrent conditions such as DeQuervain's tenosynovitis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a more effective treatment option for managing thumb osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using PRP and corticosteroids for joint pain, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Stage 1-3 osteoarthritis of the basal joint

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with Stage 4 1st carpometacarpal joint arthritis as described by Eaton
* Patients who have received a corticosteroid injection in the last year to the 1st CMC joint on the proposed study side
* Patients who have scaphotriquetral, radioscaphoid, or scaphotrapezial osteoarthritis
* Patients who have concurrent DeQuervain's tenosynovitis or intersection syndrome or have been treated for either of these in the last 3 months
* Patients undergoing evaluation of cervical radiculopathy
* Patients with fibromyalgia or inflammatory rheumatic disease
* Patients with Pressier disease, Kienbock's, or avascular necrosis of the scaphoid
* Patients with any history of primary or secondary bone tumor
* Patients that are pregnant or terminally ill

Where this trial is running

Centerville, Ohio

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 Osteoarthritis Thumb
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.