Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 30 to 75

Comparing two methods for treating wrist osteoarthritis

Official title: Norwegian Distal Ulna Resection vs. Replacement Study. A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Study

Run by Ostfold Hospital Trust · NCT04074863 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a surgery that removes part of the wrist or a surgery that replaces it works better for people with painful wrist arthritis.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages30 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorOstfold Hospital Trust
Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Lillehammer, Oppland and 5 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 16, 2020
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2029
Study endsDecember 31, 2029
Registry record updatedApril 8, 2024
Trial IDNCT04074863 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with painful osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint who have stable joints.

Probably not a fit

Patients with active inflammatory diseases, significant instability in the DRUJ, or those who are considered 'low demand' 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 study aims to compare the effectiveness of the Darrach procedure, which involves resection of the ulnar head, with ulnar head replacement for treating osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Participants will be individuals experiencing stable but painful DRUJ joints, and the study will be conducted as a prospective randomized multicenter trial across several hospitals in Norway. The goal is to determine which method provides better clinical outcomes and fewer complications. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrollment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from wrist osteoarthritis, enhancing their quality of life and functional capacity.

How similar studies have gone: While studies have shown good long-term results for both resection and replacement methods, this study is novel in directly comparing the two approaches.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* painful osteoarthritis distal radioulnar joint
* stable DRUJ

Exclusion Criteria:

* activ inflammatory disease with significant destruction of the joint
* "low demand" persons
* significant instability i DRUJ
* active infections, poor soft tissue conditions
* accidental wound on the operated hand
* general contraindications for surgery

Where it's running

  • Oslo University Hospital
    Oslo, Norway
    Recruiting
  • Østfold Hospital Trust
    Moss, Østfold fylke, Norway
    Recruiting
  • Innlandet Hospital Trust
    Lillehammer, Oppland, Norway
    Not yet recruiting
  • Haukeland University Hospital
    Bergen, Norway
    Not yet recruiting
  • University Hospital of North Norway
    Tromsø, Norway
    Not yet recruiting
  • University Hospital of St Olav
    Trondheim, Norway
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.