Comparing two surgical options for wrist osteoarthritis

A Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial Comparing Proximal ROw carpectOmy and Four-corner Fusion (PROOF) for Osteoarthritis of the Wrist

NA · Töölö Hospital · NCT04260165

This study is testing which surgery, either proximal row carpectomy or four-corner fusion, works better for people with certain types of wrist osteoarthritis.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorTöölö Hospital (other)
Locations5 sites (Helsinki and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04260165 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the outcomes of proximal row carpectomy (PRC) versus four-corner fusion (FCA) in patients with SLAC/SNAC II-III type osteoarthritis of the wrist. Patients with confirmed osteoarthritis will be randomly assigned to one of the two surgical procedures in a double-blinded manner. Data will be collected preoperatively and during follow-up visits at various intervals up to 10 years post-surgery to assess the effectiveness of each intervention. The allocation of treatment will remain concealed until the 12-month follow-up.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 75 with SLAC/SNAC II-III osteoarthritis and a symptom duration of more than three months.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, significant smoking habits, or those with other factors affecting bone healing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide clearer guidance on the most effective surgical treatment for wrist osteoarthritis, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored similar surgical interventions for wrist osteoarthritis, but this specific comparison of PRC and FCA is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* SLAC/SNAC II-III
* Age 18 - 75
* Symptom duration \> 3 months
* American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status (ASA) I-II

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient eligible for SL reconstruction or scaphoid
* Ulnocarpal/pancarpal arthritis
* Lunate fossa, proximal lunate arthrosis or both
* Age \<18 or \>75 years
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Heavy smoking (\> 20 cigarettes per day)
* Condition or medication affecting bony healing (eg diabetes mellitus with poor glycemic control, malnutrition, use of per oral corticosteroids)
* Alcohol or drug abuse
* Neurological condition affecting upper limb function

Where this trial is running

Helsinki and 4 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Wrist Osteoarthritis, Scapholunate Advanced Collapse, Scaphoid Non-union Advanced Collapse, Wrist arthrodesis, Proximal Row Carpectomy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.