Which thumb arthritis surgery works best? a Head-to-Head trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT04458584

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial compares three common surgical procedures for thumb basal joint arthritis: trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction, trapeziectomy with suture suspensionplasty, and arthroscopic trapeziectomy alone. The goal is to see which technique best restores grip and pinch strength, reduces pain, and improves hand function. About 165 adults with thumb arthritis will be randomly assigned to one of the three surgeries and followed for six months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: surgery (trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction, suture suspensionplasty, or arthroscopic trapeziectomy)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help surgeons choose the most effective procedure for restoring thumb strength and function in people with basal joint arthritis.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial comparing existing techniques, so it may not definitively prove one surgery is best. All surgeries carry risks like infection, nerve irritation, or incomplete pain relief.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, hand

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OSTEOARTHRITIS THUMB

Contacts and locations

Locations

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
RECRUITING

Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756, United States

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