A RCT of Supportive Finger Tape for PIPJ Osteoarthritis (NCT02220374) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A RCT of Supportive Finger Tape for PIPJ Osteoarthritis
United Kingdom44 participantsStarted 2014-11
Plain-language summary
Oesteoarthritis of the joints of the finger(s) is a common problem. The first-line treatment involves pain killers taken either as tablets, gels, or patches. Secondly, some joints are amenable to injections of steroids and anaesthetic agents. Finally, as a last resort, some joints may be fused or replaced with prosthetic joints by Hand Surgeons. We are investigating whether supportive taping of the painful finger joint reduces pain and improves function, and whether this treatment could be used to substitute pain killers, injections or surgery. We hypothesise that supportive finger tape may improve pain, improve the stability of the joint and thereby improve day-to-day hand function too. We will investigate this through a two-group parallel randomised controlled trial whereby one group will receive the treatment taping and the other group will receive a theoretically placebo taping configuration. We will measure pain daily, hand function and adverse events.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria:
All adult patients (≥18 years old) with chronic osteoarthritis of the PIPJ of any finger.
Exclusion criteria:
Patients meeting any of the below criteria will be excluded:
* Patients lacking capacity to consent (unable to understand, retain, weigh up or communicate their decision)
* Patients (and/or their carers) who lack the dexterity to cut and apply the Suture Strips to the painful finger.
* Patients with active infection or unhealed wounds on the same hand as this may confound the level of pain experienced.
* Dermatological conditions or vulnerable dorsal finger skin on the proposed trial finger, which may be exacerbated or damaged respectively by the applicable/removal of tape
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.