Actively Recruiting
Low-Dose Radiotherapy Compared to Corticosteroid Injection for Treatment of Hand Osteoarthritis
Led by Mayo Clinic · Updated on 2026-04-24
165
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
21 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating low-dose radiotherapy versus corticosteroid injection for treating hand and wrist osteoarthritis in adults aged 50 years and older. This Phase 4 clinical trial aims to compare these two treatments to better understand their effects on pain and hand function in people with mild to severe osteoarthritis. The study is sponsored by Mayo Clinic and focuses on improving pain management and hand use in affected patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) or a corticosteroid injection (CSI). The LDRT group will get six treatments of 300 cGy each, delivered 2-3 times per week on non-consecutive days. Non-responders may receive a second course of the same LDRT schedule. The CSI group will receive injections of methylprednisolone combined with lidocaine into up to three joints in the hand. Both treatments follow specific dosing and scheduling protocols. During the study, participants will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Cochin Hand Function Scale, and medication usage at baseline and monthly up to 12 months post-treatment. Patient experience will also be measured at 6 and 12 months using a questionnaire. These assessments help researchers monitor pain changes, hand function, medication use, and overall treatment satisfaction over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Radiotherapy Compared to Corticosteroid Injection for Treatment of Hand Osteoarthritis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patient at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Age 50 years or older
- Mild, moderate, or severe hand osteoarthritis (Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2, 3, or 4) confirmed by hand X-rays within the last 24 months
- Hand osteoarthritis pain with a minimum Visual Analog Scale score of 40 or higher on a 100-point scale when using the affected hand
- Ability to complete study questionnaires
You will not qualify if you...
- Previous surgery to the affected hand(s)
- Autoimmune joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis
- Active confounding hand conditions like stenosing tenosynovitis or Dupuytren's contracture
- Recent injury to the affected hand causing current pain within the last month
- History of gout or pseudogout flare in the affected hand(s)
- Use of opioid pain medications or oral steroids within the last 3 months
- Fibromyalgia or central sensitization syndrome
- Corticosteroid or other hand injection within the past 3 months
- History of low-dose radiotherapy to the hand within the past 3 months
- Poorly controlled diabetes with HbA1c greater than 10%
- Active infection
- Current pregnancy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 3 weeks depending on treatment course
Participants receive either low-dose radiotherapy or corticosteroid injections to treat hand osteoarthritis.
6 treatment visits over 2 to 3 weeks; additional 6 treatment visits for non-responders
Duration - 12 months post-intervention
Participants are monitored for treatment effects and complete questionnaires on pain and hand function.
Monthly visits for 6 months, plus visits at 9 and 12 months post-intervention
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, United States, 55905
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Tochukwu Iyke-Nzeocha
M
Melissa Wang, M.A., CCRP
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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