Comparing two techniques for wrist fusion in patients with post-traumatic arthritis

Randomized Comparison of PARtial Wrist Fusion With or Without Triquetral Excision (PARTE)

Not applicable Interventional University of Alberta · NCT04580225

This study is testing two different surgery techniques for wrist fusion to see which one helps adults with post-traumatic arthritis feel better and regain more movement in their wrists.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment170 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04580225 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares the outcomes of two different partial wrist fusion techniques in adults suffering from post-traumatic wrist arthritis, specifically those with stage II or III scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) or scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC). Participants will be randomly assigned to either a four-corner arthrodesis without triquetral excision or a three-corner/capitolunate arthrodesis with triquetral excision. The study aims to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes, including grip strength and wrist range of motion, through follow-up assessments conducted at multiple intervals post-surgery. The findings will help guide surgical decisions for optimal management of wrist arthritis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with stage II or III SLAC or SNAC wrist arthritis who are surgical candidates for the specified interventions.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of wrist arthritis or significant comorbidities affecting wrist function may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and recovery for patients with post-traumatic wrist arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored wrist fusion techniques, but this specific comparison of triquetral excision versus non-excision in partial wrist fusions is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant has a stage II or III scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) or scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) wrist and is a surgical candidate for the included surgical interventions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant has been diagnosed with other forms of wrist arthritis other than SLAC or SNAC
* Participant has significant arthritis of the ipsilateral hand/finger joint(s), major joint trauma, previous major wrist surgery, infection or neuromuscular pathology affecting the function of the ipsilateral upper extremity or ability to make a fist
* Participant has a physical or mental health condition preventing completion of consent or questionnaires
* Participant does not speak/read/understand English
* Participant has no fixed address or means of contact
* Participant is unwilling to complete necessary follow-ups
* Surgeon concludes that eligible salvage techniques are not appropriate at the time of surgery (based on injury characteristics or concomitant wrist pathology)

Where this trial is running

Calgary, Alberta and 5 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.
Conditions Wrist ArthritisWrist ArthropathyScapholunate Advanced CollapseScaphoid NonunionPost-traumaticArthrosisArthritisMusculoskeletal Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.