Pulsed radiofrequency therapy for hand osteoarthritis pain

Not applicable Interventional Leiden University Medical Center · NCT05217979

This study is testing whether a new type of pain treatment using pulsed radiofrequency can help people aged 18 to 80 with chronic hand pain from osteoarthritis feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorLeiden University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leiden, Zuid-Holland)
Trial IDNCT05217979 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency therapy in treating pain associated with hand osteoarthritis. Patients aged 18-80 with chronic hand pain will be randomly assigned to receive either the active treatment or a sham procedure. The primary outcome will be measured using a 10-point numeric rating scale for pain over a period of six weeks. The intervention is designed to be low-risk and well-tolerated by participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 with chronic hand pain due to osteoarthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases or other conditions affecting pain perception may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from hand osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using pulsed radiofrequency therapy is relatively novel for this condition, similar studies have shown promise in other pain management contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-80
* Hand osteoarthritis according to the ACR criteria
* Hand pain of at least 30mm on a 100mm VAS
* Chronic hand pain

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known inflammatory rheumatic diseases
* Psoriasis
* Seropositivity for rheumatoid factor of anti-CCP antibodies
* No understanding of the Dutch language
* Fibromyalgia (Following the ACR 2011 classification criteria)
* Neurological disorders interfering with pain perception and measurements
* Carpal tunnel syndrome interfering with pain perception and measurements
* History of chemo- and/or radiotherapy
* Spinal surgery or spinal trauma with lasting complaints interfering with pain perception and measurements
* Cognitive impairment or psychiatric conditions interfering with pain perception and measurements
* Pregnancy or breast-feeding
* Eye surgery for glaucoma or keratoconus or other surgery of the cornea in the three preceding months
* Presence of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), neurostimulator or pacemaker
* Metal implants in the hand, arm, shoulder or neck of the side that is to be treated

Where this trial is running

Leiden, Zuid-Holland

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 Hand Osteoarthritis
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.