Thumb base arthritis: joint replacement vs trapeziectomy

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 prospective randomized trial compares two surgical options for basal thumb arthritis: total joint arthroplasty using the TOUCH prosthesis versus trapeziectomy with capsuloplasty. Participants are adults aged 40–80 with symptomatic CMC joint osteoarthritis who have not had sufficient relief from non-surgical treatments. After randomization near the day of surgery, outcomes include grip strength, complications, and health-care costs, with follow-ups at 1 year, and then at 2, 5, and 10 years. Procedures and postoperative care follow standardized protocols at participating centers. The study aims to determine which method provides better hand function, lower complication risk, and greater cost-effectiveness over the long term.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 40-80 years at inclusion
* CMC-joint osteoarthritis grade 1-3 (Eaton-Littler classification)
* Rest pain or pain reducing hand function with indication for surgery
* Insufficient relief from non-operative treatment for ≥3 months (orthosis, OTC analgesics, cortisone injection)
* Eligible for both prosthesis and trapezectomy per including surgeon
* Non-smoker or complete smoking cessation ≥6 weeks prior to surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous surgery to thumb base or STT-joint
* Ongoing general chronic pain condition or other pain in the same hand predominant over the thumb base pain.
* Dementia or cognitive impairment
* Trapezium height \<7 mm on plain radiograph
* Active smoker
* Osteoarthritis grade 4 (Eaton-Littler)

Where it's running

• Department of Handsurgery, Uppsala University Hospital
  Uppsala, Sweden Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sara Edsfeldt, MD, PhD, senior attending — Department of orthopaedics and hand surgery, Akademiska hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
• Study coordinator: Eva Nordin, Clinical research nurse
• Email: eva.nordin@akademiska.se
• Phone: +46(0) 186119630

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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.