Could body fat ease carpal tunnel pain? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT03722303
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether injecting a patient's own fat (lipografting) into the wrist can improve symptoms of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome better than standard steroid injections. The fat is thought to reduce scarring and help nerves glide more freely. The trial plans to enroll 100 adults with symptoms lasting over 6 months, but is currently on hold.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- autologous fat transfer (lipografting)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a longer-lasting, regenerative alternative to steroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial that is currently suspended. The benefits of fat transfer for carpal tunnel are unproven, and results may not be better than standard care.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
-
About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Dec 2016
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * primary mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) * report symptoms longer than 6 months * night pain * weakness * sensory deficits * fluent English-speaking adult (\>18) Exclusion Criteria: * \<18 years old * Non-english speaking * injection in past 6 months * previous hand surgery * previous hand trauma (fracture or dislocation)
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Carpal tunnel syndrome are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, 10032, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Does mixing numbing agent into steroid shots ease hand pain?
- Blood protein may reveal how severe carpal tunnel syndrome is
- A carpal tunnel clue to a silent heart threat?
- Taping technique may offer Drug-Free relief for wrist pain
- One size Doesn't fit all: could pain 'Phenotypes' unlock better carpal tunnel care?
- Ultrasound may reveal hidden clues in carpal tunnel syndrome