Trigger Finger

Researchers are evaluating a new shape memory alloy-based orthosis designed to help patients with stiffness in the finger proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. This device aims to improve joint stiffness and secondarily enhance the ability to perform daily activities. The study compares the new orthosis against a conventional stretching program in adults with PIP joint contracture who are beyond the acute phase of their hand condition. Participants are divided into two groups. One group uses the shape memory alloy-based orthosis during a home program involving 30-minute training sessions, 3-4 times daily, every day for 8 weeks. The other group follows a conventional stretching program with similar frequency and duration. The orthosis provides continuous force to the stiff joint using shape memory alloy as an elastic component, while the stretching program focuses on active and passive joint exercises. Participants will be evaluated three times: before starting treatment, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks after baseline. Assessments include measuring the range of motion and hand function using tests like the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test, Purdue Pegboard Test, motion capture analysis, and a questionnaire on arm, shoulder, and hand disability. Usability of the orthosis will also be assessed after 8 weeks. The study duration for each participant is 8 weeks with ongoing monitoring of joint movement and hand performance.

Researchers are investigating upper-extremity proprioception impairment in patients experiencing radicular neuropathic symptoms caused by cervical disc herniation. This study focuses on the specific subgroup of cervical radiculopathy, which has not been systematically examined before, aiming to better understand the relationship between proprioceptive deficits and clinical outcomes such as pain and functional status. The study compares patients aged 18 to 65 years with cervical radiculopathy to a healthy control group matched by age, sex, and body mass index. Proprioception is assessed using the PRO-Reach method, which measures multisensory spatial representation of the entire upper limb through multiplanar and multi-joint evaluations without the need for computerized or robotic devices. Participants undergo baseline assessments including the Upper Limb Proprioception Reaching Test (PRO-Reach), pain rating scales (Numeric Rating Scale and DN-4 Questionnaire), quality of life evaluation (SHORT FORM-12), handgrip strength testing, and disability questionnaires (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire). These measures help researchers evaluate sensory-motor function and its impact. The study involves healthy volunteers and patients, with data collection focused on initial measurements before any treatments, and participation is expected to last during the baseline assessment period.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, responsible for a significant number of cancer cases and deaths. Advances in screening and treatment have improved survival rates, but many women experience side effects after treatment, including upper limb dysfunction and lymphoedema, which can impact daily activities and quality of life. This study aims to explore how combined upper extremity aerobic and resistance exercise training, compared to aerobic exercise alone, affects arm exercise capacity, muscle strength, arm functionality, sarcopenia, frailty, quality of life, and lymphoedema in breast cancer patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will engage in a 12-week program of upper extremity aerobic exercise training with sessions three times a week lasting 25 minutes each, while the other group will receive the same aerobic exercise combined with progressive resistance training using elastic resistance bands gradually increased over 12 weeks. The study will assess the effects of these exercise programs on various physical and health outcomes related to breast cancer treatment side effects. During the study, participants will be evaluated over one year, including tests such as the 6-minute Pegboard and Ring Test and measures of maximal arm exercise capacity. Researchers will also assess quality of life, peripheral muscle strength, arm functionality, sarcopenia, frailty, lymphoedema, and other health parameters. This monitoring will help determine how the exercise programs influence recovery and physical function after breast cancer treatment.

Researchers are studying trigger finger, a condition affecting finger movement, in adults aged 18 to 75 years. The study aims to compare the effects of three different treatments: a static finger splint, paraffin bath therapy, and peloidotherapy, all combined with home exercise programs. Patients with specific grades of trigger finger will be included, and the study is designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled trial with blinded assessments to evaluate treatment outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. One group will use a static finger splint that blocks the proximal interphalangeal joint continuously for 6 weeks, combined with home exercises. The second group will receive paraffin bath therapy for 20 minutes daily over 15 sessions within 3 weeks plus home exercises. The third group will undergo peloidotherapy at 45°C for 20 minutes daily over 15 sessions within 3 weeks, also combined with home exercises. All patients will receive education about the disease and activity modifications. Participants will be evaluated at the start, after 3 weeks, and after 6 weeks. Assessments include pain intensity using a visual analog scale, trigger finger severity by Green's classification, hand function via the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, patient global improvement, and ultrasound measures of tendon and pulley thickness and effusion. Compliance with splint use and exercises will be monitored, and any treatment side effects will be recorded. Patients will avoid analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications during the study and prior to assessments.

Researchers are comparing two methods of infraclavicular brachial plexus block, a type of peripheral nerve block used for anesthesia and pain relief in patients undergoing forearm and hand surgeries. This study focuses on patients with obesity (BMI over 30) who require regional anesthesia for surgery and aims to evaluate differences between the conventional and retroclavicular approaches. During the study, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the conventional or retroclavicular approach to the infraclavicular block. Both methods use the same local anesthetic mixture of 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine plus 5 ml 2% lidocaine, administered under ultrasound guidance while patients lie in a supine position. The main focus is to measure the time taken to perform the block, along with secondary outcomes such as pain scores up to 24 hours after surgery and patient satisfaction one day after. Participants will be monitored during and after the procedure, with assessments including pain evaluations and satisfaction surveys. The study is quadruple-masked and randomized to ensure unbiased comparison. Researchers will measure block performance time and follow patients' pain and satisfaction for 24 hours postoperatively. The study runs from September 2025 through June 2026 and involves adult patients aged 18 to 80 years with specific anesthesia suitability and health status criteria.

This research aims to evaluate how effective a nighttime extension orthosis is after receiving a cortisone injection for treating trigger finger, also known as stenosing flexor tenosynovitis. The goal is to see if wearing the orthosis improves pain relief and hand function compared to not wearing one, at 12 weeks after the injection. The study is a randomized controlled trial focusing on these outcomes in adults with trigger finger. Participants are divided into two groups. The experimental group receives a cortisone injection and is fitted with a proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) extension night orthosis called the Oval-8®, which they wear at night for six weeks. The control group receives the cortisone injection but does not use the orthosis and is advised to move their fingers normally. Both groups have follow-up contact at six and twelve weeks to record symptom resolution, pain levels, and functional scores. During the study, participants will have assessments of their pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), functional ability via the QuickDASH questionnaire, and the timing of symptom resolution. These measures will be collected during follow-up phone calls or emails at six and twelve weeks after the injection. The study is sponsored by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and will continue monitoring outcomes until May 2026.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two common treatments for Trigger Finger, a condition also known as Stenosing Tenosynovitis. This study compares Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and splint therapy to see which works better for patients diagnosed with stage 1 or 2 trigger finger. The study is a randomized controlled trial involving volunteer patients diagnosed at a hand surgery clinic. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving only ESWT, another receiving ESWT combined with splint therapy, and the third receiving only splint therapy. ESWT will be applied to the affected finger at 15 Hz frequency, delivering 1000 shock wave impulses at a 2.0 bar level, across five weekly sessions. Splint therapy involves wearing a finger splint that immobilizes the MCP joint continuously for eight weeks. Throughout the study, evaluations will be conducted before treatment, at the end of the eight-week treatment period, and again four weeks post-treatment. Assessments include pain levels measured by a visual analog scale, grip and pinch strength, number of triggering events, functional ability, and treatment satisfaction. The study aims to enroll 54 participants, with 18 in each treatment group, and will monitor outcomes closely to compare the treatments' effects.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of biofeedback-guided training compared to conventional therapy on muscle strength and postural alignment in adults with Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS). This condition, often caused by prolonged poor posture and repetitive movements, leads to muscle imbalances, neck and upper back pain, and postural deviations like forward head posture and increased thoracic kyphosis. The study aims to assess which approach better improves muscle strength and posture in UCS patients aged 25 to 45 years. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A receives biofeedback-guided strength training targeting deep cervical flexors, rhomboids, and trapezius muscles using a biofeedback pressure unit at different pressure levels, combined with a warm-up hot pack. Group B receives conventional therapy involving hot pack application and a structured exercise program including chin tucks, scapular squeezes, and pectoral stretches. Both groups undergo 12 sessions over 4 weeks, with three sessions per week. During the study, participants are assessed at baseline, after the first session, and weekly thereafter using standardized measures such as the cranio-cervical flexion test, neck pain rating scale, neck disability index, and cervical range of motion tests. Researchers monitor changes in muscle strength, postural alignment, pain levels, and neck function. The total study participation lasts four weeks, with careful tracking of symptoms and functional improvements to compare the two intervention methods.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of a minimally invasive procedure called ultrasound-guided tri-directional needle knife release for patients with trigger finger who have not improved with conservative treatments. Trigger finger occurs due to thickening of the A1 pulley, causing pain, stiffness, and limited hand movement. This study focuses on improving hand function, reducing pain, increasing finger mobility, and overall patient satisfaction. The procedure uses ultrasound guidance for precise and safe dissection of the thickened A1 pulley under local anesthesia with lidocaine and bupivacaine. The device used is the Sonosite M-Turbo Ultrasound Machine with a linear probe for real-time imaging. This treatment aims to minimize risks and improve recovery compared to conventional methods. Participants will be monitored over six months to assess improvements in hand and finger function, pain levels, and finger mobility. Researchers will also track patient satisfaction and any complications related to the procedure. Follow-up visits will ensure proper recovery and evaluate treatment outcomes throughout this period.

Researchers are evaluating how proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and kinesiology taping (KT) affect hand function in adults who have hemiplegia caused by stroke. The study also examines how these treatments impact body structure, activity, and participation based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The trial aims to compare whether PNF or kinesio taping offers different benefits for improving hand functions and related abilities in stroke patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving PNF therapy, another receiving kinesiology taping, and a third group receiving both treatments combined. Each group will undergo their assigned interventions three days a week for eight weeks. After each session, all groups will receive conventional treatment. PNF involves specific manual techniques targeting finger, wrist, and forearm movements, while kinesiology taping is applied from the fingers to the elbow and remains on for two days. The combined group receives both therapies according to these schedules. During the study, participants' hand functions will be assessed at the start and after completing 24 sessions using several tests, including the Fugl Meyer assessment, Action Research Arm Test, Box-Block Test, and Nine Hole Peg Test. Additional evaluations will measure environmental quality, upper extremity activity, and social adaptation. Researchers will monitor participant cooperation and cognitive status, and a blinded physiotherapist will re-evaluate outcomes to ensure unbiased results. The total participation duration is eight weeks of intervention with assessments at the beginning and end.