Evaluating ketorolac for treating upper extremity joint and tendon pain
Single Blind RCT to Evaluate the Effect of Ketorolac in Upper Extremity Tendinopathy and Arthropathy
This study is testing whether ketorolac or triamcinolone injections can help people with joint and tendon pain in their shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands feel better and improve their function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05292339 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of ketorolac and triamcinolone injections for patients suffering from tendinopathy and arthropathy in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. Participants will receive either injection type and will be monitored over a 24-week period to evaluate pain relief and functional improvement. The study employs a blinded approach to ensure unbiased results regarding the efficacy of these treatments. It addresses a gap in existing research concerning the management of smaller joint conditions compared to larger joints.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with symptomatic upper extremity tendinopathy or arthropathy who have not had prior surgical treatment.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those who have had recent injections, or those with active infections or contraindications to the medications will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new effective treatment option for patients with upper extremity pain due to tendinopathy and arthropathy.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on corticosteroid injections for larger joints, studies specifically evaluating ketorolac for smaller joint conditions are limited, making this approach relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 or older, * symptomatic tendinopathy or arthropathy of the shoulder, elbow, hand, or wrist who have not undergone prior surgical treatment for their condition. * Diagnoses may include trigger finger, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, radiocarpal osteoarthritis, first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis, metacarpophalangeal joint osteoarthritis, or proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients under the age of 18, * Patients who have undergone prior triamcinolone or ketorolac injections within the past 6 months, * Patients who have undergone prior surgical treatment for their hand condition, * Patients with allergy or contraindication to triamcinolone or ketorolac injection, * Patients with an active infection at the treatment site \[active infection defined as cellulitis, purulence, fever, chills, or presence of elevated inflammatory markers, ie. white blood cells (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)\].
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia and 3 other locations
- Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
- Emory University Orthopaedic and Spine Center — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
- 12 Executive Park Drive — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
- Emory University Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paul A. Ghareeb, MD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Paul A. Ghareeb, MD
- Email: paul.ghareeb@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-778-3350
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.