Surgery versus home care for painful wrist ganglion
Official title: GangLion Resection Effectiveness Trial (GangLion): a Multicentre, Randomized, Superiority Trial
Run by Tampere University Hospital · NCT07162415 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether surgery or simple home exercises and using the hand as tolerated helps adults with a painful wrist ganglion feel and function better over six months.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Tampere University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Helsinki and 5 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2034 |
| Study ends | December 2035 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07162415 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with a clinically or imaging‑confirmed painful wrist ganglion who can complete Finnish or English questionnaires and have not had prior wrist surgery or a work‑related ganglion are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have another wrist condition that explains the pain, have had prior wrist surgery, or whose ganglion is from a work injury are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a multicenter, randomized trial enrolling adults with a painful wrist ganglion in Finland and Singapore to compare surgical excision (open or arthroscopic) with conservative care (self‑administered exercises and using the hand as tolerated). Participants are randomly assigned in equal groups and complete questionnaires on pain, wrist function, quality of life, satisfaction, and recovery at 3, 6, and 12 months, with the primary outcome at six months. The trial excludes people with other wrist pathology explaining their pain, prior wrist surgery, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and work‑related ganglions. Results will be published to inform treatment choices for patients with wrist ganglions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could show which approach gives better pain relief, improved wrist function, and higher patient satisfaction so clinicians and patients can choose the best treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies on ganglion treatment have been conflicting and randomized controlled data are scarce, so the true benefit of surgery versus conservative care is not yet proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of ganglion of the wrist, based on clinical examination or imaging findings * wrist pain located in the ganglion area * age over 18 years * ability to fill out the Finnish or English version of the questionnaires Exclusion Criteria: * pregnant or breast feeding * other wrist pathology that likely explains the pain (e.g. osteoarthritis) * previous surgical treatment of the wrist * wrist ganglion presumed to be related to a work injury * symptomatic ganglion at both sides (volar and dorsal) of the wrist
Where it's running
-
Helsinki University Hospital
Helsinki, Finland Recruiting -
Päijät-Häme Central Hospital
Lahti, Finland Recruiting -
Oulu University Hospital
Oulu, Finland Recruiting -
Tampere University Hospital
Tampere, Finland Recruiting -
Hospital Nova of Central Finland
Jyväskylä, Finland Not yet recruiting -
National University Hospital
Singapore, Singapore Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lasse Linnanmäki, MD, PhD
- Email: lasse.linnanmaki@fimnet.fi
- Phone: +3583311611
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.