Comparing wrist denervation and exercise for wrist osteoarthritis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• Department of hand surgery, Malmo university hospital
  Malmö, Sweden Recruiting
• Department of hand handsurgery, Södersjukhuset
  Stockholm, Sweden Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Elin Swärd, MD, PhD — Karolinska Institutet
• Study coordinator: Elin Swärd, MD, PhD
• Email: elin.sward@regionstockholm.se
• Phone: +4612360000

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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.