Examining biomarkers in osteoarthritic thumb joints

Analysis of Synovial Fluid, Bone and Articular Cartilage From Osteoarthritic First Carpometacarpal Joints in Relationship to Metabolic Risk Factors and Patient-reported Hand Function

Region Skane · NCT06370312

This study is testing how certain markers in the thumb joints of people with osteoarthritis relate to their overall health and comparing them to knee joints, while also looking at grip strength and pain before and after surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages25 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRegion Skane (other)
Locations2 sites (Malmö, Skåne County and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06370312 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to analyze molecular markers in synovial fluid, bone, and articular cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis of the thumb basal joint. It will evaluate the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins in relation to the patient's metabolic profile and compare these findings with similar degradation profiles in knee joints affected by osteoarthritis. Patients scheduled for trapeziectomy will have synovial fluid aspirated and various assessments conducted, including grip strength and pain levels, both preoperatively and one year post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 25 and older with radiologically confirmed and symptomatic thumb basal joint osteoarthritis who are scheduled for trapeziectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with previous surgeries on the affected thumb joint or those with other chronic inflammatory arthritis conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding of osteoarthritis and better management strategies for patients with thumb joint issues.

How similar studies have performed: While this study focuses on a specific joint and condition, similar studies analyzing biomarkers in osteoarthritis have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women age ≥ 25 years
* Radiologically confirmed and symptomatic thumb basal joint osteoarthritis (OA) planned for trapeziectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous surgery to the affected thumb basal joint
* Post-traumatic thumb basal joint OA
* Rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic inflammatory arthritis, history of psoriasis affecting joints, gout or pseudogout
* Ongoing infection in the hand or wrist
* Inability to co-operate with the follow-up protocol or to assimilate information about the study protocol (language difficulties, severe psychiatric disorder, cognitive impairment, drug addiction)
* Systemic or intra-articular glucocorticoids or intraarticular platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid injections in the affected joint within 3 months prior to enrollment

Where this trial is running

Malmö, Skåne County 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 Thumb, Osteoarthritis, Knee, Metabolic Disease

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.