Partial Wrist Denervation Versus Self-managed Exercise Therapy in Patients with Wrist Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two treatments for people with wrist osteoarthritis to see how they affect pain, wrist function, grip strength, and range of motion. This trial involves 140 patients and focuses on two approaches: a surgical option called partial wrist denervation and a self-managed exercise therapy program. The study aims to determine if these treatments improve patient-reported outcomes and to find out which treatment works better. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group follows a self-managed exercise program designed to improve wrist stability and strength through neuromuscular exercises and patient education. The second group undergoes partial wrist denervation surgery, where specific nerves (AIN and PIN) are cut through a single incision under local anesthesia. The surgical method follows the technique described by Berger. Both treatments are evaluated in a controlled, assessor-blinded setting. During the study, participants will be assessed at multiple time points including 3, 6, 12 months, and up to 5 years after treatment. Researchers will measure wrist pain, function using the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), grip strength, range of motion, quality of life, pain catastrophizing, and any complications. The study also includes radiological evaluation and tracks work status and costs. This thorough follow-up allows researchers to understand the longer-term effects and safety of each treatment over several years.

Wrist Denervation Vs Exercise in Wrist Osteoarthritis