Comparing two types of steroid injections for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Intra-sheath vs Extra-sheath Injection for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Phase 4 Interventional University of California, Davis · NCT04895956

This study is testing whether steroid injections given inside or outside the tendon sheath work better to relieve pain for people with De Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Davis Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sacramento, California)
Trial IDNCT04895956 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of intra-sheath versus extra-sheath steroid injections in treating De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either type of injection, and their pain levels will be assessed using a visual analog scale before and six weeks after the injection. The study will evaluate whether extra-sheath injections are inferior to intra-sheath injections in reducing pain associated with this condition. The results will help determine the most effective injection technique for managing De Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with De Quervain's Tenosynovitis who have a pre-injection pain score of at least 40mm.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone steroid injections or surgery for De Quervain's in the affected wrist may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from De Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored steroid injection techniques for similar conditions, but this specific comparison of intra-sheath versus extra-sheath injections is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signed informed consent from the patient exclusively and not a legal representative
* Clinically diagnosed with De Quervain's
* VAS score of at least 40mm pre-injection
* Life expectancy greater than 1 year

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having previously undergone steroid injection in the treatment of De Quervain's
* Having previously undergone surgery for De Quervain's in the affected wrist
* Having previously undergone steroid injection and failed in the treatment of trigger finger
* Allergies to lidocaine or dexamethasone
* Underlying serious medical conditions that would place the patient at risk
* Past history of hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis
* Pregnant women
* Prisoners

Where this trial is running

Sacramento, California

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 De Quervain TenosynovitisSteroid injection
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.