Comparing wrist denervation and exercise for wrist osteoarthritis

Partial Wrist Denervation Versus Self-managed Exercise Therapy in Patients with Wrist Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial

NA · Karolinska Institutet · NCT06098586

This study is testing whether surgery to numb certain nerves in the wrist works better than a guided exercise program for people with wrist osteoarthritis.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet (other)
Locations2 sites (Malmö and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06098586 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a randomized controlled trial that compares the effectiveness of partial wrist denervation to a self-managed exercise therapy program in patients with wrist osteoarthritis. The study aims to determine which treatment leads to better patient-reported outcomes, pain relief, grip strength, and range of motion. It involves 140 patients and is conducted at two centers in Sweden, utilizing a multicenter parallel group design with assessor blinding. Participants will either undergo surgery or follow a structured exercise program designed to improve wrist stability and function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with chronic wrist pain due to specific types of osteoarthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, other chronic inflammatory arthritis, or those who have had previous wrist surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with effective treatment options for managing wrist osteoarthritis, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying degrees of success with similar approaches, but this specific comparison of wrist denervation and exercise therapy is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years.
* Chronic wrist pain (≥6 months) due to Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) / Scaphoid non-union advanced collapse (SNAC) grade 1-3 osteoarthritis.
* Radiological signs of osteoarthritis on posteroanterior and lateral radiograph.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous PIN or AIN neurectomy.
* Rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic inflammatory arthritis.
* Symptomatic osteoarthritis in the distal radio-ulnar (DRU), Scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT) or thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joints.
* Ongoing infection.
* Inability to co-operate with the follow-up protocol.
* Systemic or intra-articular glucocorticoids or intraarticular PRP or Hyaluronic acid injections in the affected joint within 3 months prior to enrollment.

Where this trial is running

Malmö and 1 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: Osteoarthritis Wrist

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.