Vibration or cool-spray to reduce pain from steroid injections in the hand and wrist
The Effect of Vibratory Anesthesia on Patient Pain Perception in Corticosteroid Injections of the Upper Extremity
This trial tests whether vibration or vapocoolant spray makes corticosteroid injections in the hands, wrists, or elbows less painful for adults with arthritis, tendinopathy, or nerve compression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 165 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Galveston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07553273 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults who are already scheduled for bilateral corticosteroid injections in the upper extremities receive two injections—one in each arm—during a single visit and report pain after each injection. The type of local anesthesia for each injection is randomly assigned so each participant receives two of three options: no anesthesia, vibration with the DigiVibe device, or a vapocoolant spray, with some combinations pairing vibration and spray. The DigiVibe device is applied to the skin at the injection site while the injection is given, and participants rate pain using a numeric pain rating scale after each injection. Pain scores for the different anesthesia methods are compared to determine which approach is associated with the least injection pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with clinically diagnosed bilateral arthritis, tendinopathy, arthropathy, or compression neuropathy of the hand, wrist, or elbow who are scheduled to receive corticosteroid injections are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without bilateral upper-extremity conditions, those unwilling or unable to complete pain ratings, individuals allergic to the injection medications, or those under 18 are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce needle pain and increase comfort during routine corticosteroid injections for upper-extremity conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies of vibration devices and vapocoolant sprays have shown mixed but generally favorable effects on reducing injection pain.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Any patient of the Principal Investigator who has clinically diagnosed bilateral arthritis, tendinopathy, arthropathy, or compression neuropathy of the hand, wrist, or elbow where treatment with corticosteroid injection is indicated. * Participants who voluntarily consent to participate in the study and sign consent forms. * Participants who complete all numeric pain rating scales * Patients aged ≥ 18 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Participants who opt out of the study or withdraw consent * Participants who are determined to be without capacity to consent to study participation or injection procedure by principal investigator * Participants with inability to complete numeric pain rating scales * Participants with known allergies to triamcinolone acetonide, lidocaine, or bupivicaine * Participants without clinically diagnosed bilateral arthritis, tendinopathy, arthropathy, or compression neuropathy of the hand, wrist, or elbow. * Participants where treatment with corticosteroid injection is not indicated bilaterally. * Patients ≤ 18 years old
Where this trial is running
Galveston, Texas
- University of Texas Medical Branch — Galveston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: John Faillace, MD,FAAOS
- Email: jofailla@utmb.edu
- Phone: 409-772-1011
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.