Botox injections plus thumb splint for thumb arthritis pain

Plain-English translation of NCT06902805 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether a medication called (Botox) injected directly into the thumb joint can help reduce pain from thumb arthritis. Participants will receive either two doses of this medication, one dose plus a placebo injection, or two placebo injections — all while wearing a custom-made rigid splint. The goal is to see if this treatment, given twice over several months, provides long-lasting pain relief.

Thumb arthritis is common and causes significant pain and difficulty with hand activities. Current treatments have only modest effects. Early research suggests that this medication might help reduce pain by working on the nerves in the joint, but doctors need a larger, well-designed study to confirm it works, understand how long the benefits last, and make sure it's safe.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you have significant pain at the base of your thumb (pain score of at least 30 out of 100)
you have been diagnosed with thumb arthritis confirmed by X-ray showing specific changes like bone spurs or joint narrowing
you are able to give written informed consent and speak and read French
you have a negative pregnancy test (if you are a woman who could become pregnant)
you are affiliated with social security or health insurance

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had surgery on your thumb or have inflammatory joint disease, crystal-related arthritis, or epilepsy
you have severe swallowing problems, pneumonia, heart disease, or signs of neuromuscular disorders
you are allergic or otherwise unable to receive Botox injections
you have received other joint injections or oral steroids in the past 2 months, or had trauma to your hand or wrist recently
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or not using reliable contraception (if you could become pregnant)

What participation looks like

You will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: two real medication injections, one real and one placebo injection, or two placebo injections. All participants will also receive a custom-made rigid splint to wear. The injections will be guided by ultrasound to ensure accuracy. You will visit the clinic for injections and follow-up visits over several months to allow researchers to track your pain levels and how well your hand is functioning. The trial will measure whether the treatment reduces your pain and improves your ability to use your hand in daily activities.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 27, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

France

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Rééducation et de Réadaptation de l'Appareil Locomoteur et des Pathologies du Rachis du Pr François Rannou, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, Île-de-France Region