Clinical Research Directory

Surgery for Thumb Base Osteoarthritis: Joint Replacement vs. Trapeziectomy

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the surgical method with total joint arthroplasty, (TOUCH joint prosthesis), is as good as or better than the traditional surgical method, trapezectomy, to treat thumb base joint osteoarthritis. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does surgery with total joint arthroplasty provide better power grip and pinch grip strength compared to traditional surgery? What is the long-term risk of complications for both methods? Which method is more cost-effective for the healthcare system? Researchers will compare total joint arthroplasty (TOUCH) to trapezectomy (a procedure where a bone in the thumb base is removed) to see which method provides the best results for the patient. Participants will: Be randomized to undergo either an operation with total joint arthroplasty or a trapezectomy. Undergo an initial evaluation and a health economic cost analysis after one year. Attend follow-up checkups at 2, 5, and 10 years post-surgery to evaluate long-term function and the durability of the prosthesis.

Woodcasting Versus Thermoplast Splint in CMC Arthroplasty

This study is a prospective, randomized, nonblinded trial to evaluate patient preference in splints after having a carpometacarpal arthroplasty.

Mini TightRope Suspensionplasty Versus Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition for Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

Thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain, weakness and functional disability. Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) is considered a standard surgical procedure, whereas Mini TightRope suspensionplasty has been introduced to facilitate earlier mobilization while maintaining first metacarpal stability. This prospective randomized single-center clinical trial compares Mini TightRope suspensionplasty with LRTI in patients with symptomatic Eaton-Littler stage II-IV thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. Fifty patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either Mini TightRope suspensionplasty or LRTI. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively. The primary outcome was the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (qDASH) score at 2 years. Secondary outcomes included pain, thumb opposition, grip strength, pinch strength, operative time, radiographic preservation of metacarpal height and complications.