Thumb osteoarthritis or trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMO) is a common and painful form of hand arthritis that limits thumb mobility and hand function, affecting patients' quality of life. Although corticosteroids injections are a typical treatment, their effectiveness has been challenged, and side effects have been reported. Recent studies suggest that saline injections, usually considered inactive, might be a viable treatment option. The primary goal of this study is to compare the effectiveness of saline injections versus corticosteroids injections in reducing TMO-related pain and improving hand function. In this study, 40 people with TMO will be randomly assigned to receive either a corticosteroids or a saline injection, without them or the doctors performing the injection knowing which one was administered (double blind). If saline injections prove more effective, they could provide a less harmful and cheaper therapeutic alternative for TMO patients.
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Rate of participant recruitment
Timeframe: Through study completion (estimated time, 1 year)
Rate of participants completing the follow-ups
Timeframe: Through study completion (estimated time, 1 year)
Success of blinded procedures for clinicians
Timeframe: Up to 24 hours after each injection
Success of blinded procedures for patients
Timeframe: 1, 3, and 6 months after receiving the injection