Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Management of Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joint Injuries

If you've injured your finger, you might be interested in a new study looking at how to best treat these common problems. Researchers are comparing two different methods for treating injuries to the middle joint of the finger (called the PIP joint). One method uses a common stretchy bandage, known as a Coban wrap, which is currently a standard treatment. The other method uses a specially made soft sleeve, called neoprene, which is a newer approach. The aim is to see which treatment helps patients most with pain, swelling, and getting their finger moving well again. They will also look at how satisfied people are with each treatment and how well they use them.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Unity Health Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2026

Interphalangeal Joint Injury

What is this study about?

Imagine you've had a minor accident and hurt your finger, specifically the middle joint. These types of injuries can be quite tricky to manage. They can leave you with lasting pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your finger properly. Sometimes, your hand might even look a bit different afterwards. Doctors and researchers are always looking for better ways to help people recover more quickly and completely from these injuries.

This study focuses on comparing two ways to help your injured finger. The usual way involves using a stretchy bandage called a Coban wrap, along with exercises to get your finger moving and ways to reduce swelling, like contrast baths (switching between warm and cold water). The new method uses a soft, custom-made sleeve made from a material called neoprene. This sleeve works similarly to the Coban wrap, but it's specifically designed to fit your finger.

The main goal of this study is to see which of these two approaches works better for people. They want to measure things like how much pain you have, how much swelling there is, and how well you can move your finger. They'll also be asking about how happy you are with your treatment and how easy you find it to follow what your doctor recommends. By comparing these two treatments, researchers hope to find the best possible way to help people with these common finger injuries.

Key takeaways

Compares two treatments for middle finger joint injuries.
One treatment is a standard stretchy bandage (Coban).
The other is a new custom soft sleeve (neoprene).
Aims to find which is better for pain, swelling, and movement.
Participants must be 18-65 years old with specific finger injuries.
Participation involves routine visits and feedback on your recovery.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old. You should be able to speak, read, and understand English, and be comfortable filling out some questionnaires about your hand's progress.

Your finger injury must specifically involve the middle joint of your finger, which doctors call the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. This includes various types of injuries like dislocations, specific ligament tears, or small fractures in the joint.

You won't be able to join if you have other injuries to the same finger that's being treated, or if you have any existing health problems that affect your finger joint, as this could affect the study's results.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Can you read, write, and understand English?
Is your injury specifically to the middle joint of your finger?
Do you have any other significant injuries to the same finger?
Do you have any ongoing health conditions that affect your finger joint?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will use the standard stretchy Coban wrap, and the other will use a custom-made neoprene sleeve. Both groups will also receive advice on moving their finger and managing swelling. Over several appointments, researchers will ask you about your pain levels using a simple number scale, how happy you are with your treatment, and how well you're managing to use the wrap or sleeve. They'll also measure your finger's movement and swelling. The exact number of visits isn't specified, but it will involve repeat assessments over a period to track your recovery.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you recover from your finger injury, as you'll be receiving either a standard treatment or a new, potentially improved one, with close monitoring. The information gathered may also help countless other people with similar finger injuries in the future. As with any medical treatment, there's always a small chance you might find one method more comfortable or effective than the other, or you might experience minor skin irritation from the wrap or sleeve. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Unity Health Toronto
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What kind of finger injury is this study for?

This study is for injuries to the middle joint of your finger, known as the PIP joint. This includes things like dislocations or certain types of small breaks or tears around the joint.

What are the two treatments being compared?

One treatment is the usual stretchy bandage called a Coban wrap. The other is a custom-made, soft sleeve made from neoprene material.

Will I get to choose which treatment I receive?

No, you will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups, like flipping a coin. This helps make the study fair.

What will I have to do if I join the study?

You'll receive one of the two treatments, follow your doctor's advice, and attend appointments where your pain, movement, and satisfaction with the treatment will be checked.

How long will I be in the study?

The study description doesn't give an exact timeframe, but it will involve multiple assessments to track your finger's recovery over a period.

How to find out more

Daniela Bellicoso

daniela.bellicoso@unityhealth.to 4169021877 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.