Thumb tendon healing: is a cast better than early movement?

NCT ID NCT06836349

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Karolinska Institutet Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether keeping the thumb in a cast for four weeks after surgery reduces the risk of tendon rupture compared to the standard early active motion therapy. About 380 patients in Sweden will be randomly assigned to one of the two rehab programs. The goal is to find a balance between preventing rupture and maintaining good thumb movement and strength.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: rehabilitation regimen (immobilization in plaster cast vs. early active motion training)
What this could lead to: If immobilization works better, it could reduce the higher rupture rate in thumb tendon repairs while maintaining mobility and strength.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-stage registry trial, so results may not apply broadly. Immobilization might also lead to more stiffness or weaker recovery.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

FLEXOR TENDON INJURY FLEXOR TENDON RUPTURE REHABILITATION PROGRAM THUMB INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hand- och plastikkirurgiska kliniken Linköpings Universitetssjukhus
RECRUITING

Linköping, Sweden
Handkirugiska kliniken Uppsala Akademiska Sjukhus
RECRUITING

Uppsala, Sweden
Handkirurgiska kliniken Norrlands Universitetssjukhus
RECRUITING

Umeå, Sweden
Handkirurgiska kliniken Södersjukhuset
RECRUITING

Stockholm, Sweden
Handkirurgiska kliniken Örebros Universitetssjukhus
RECRUITING

Örebro, Sweden

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