Prospective Evaluation of Surgery vs. Low Dose External Beam Radiotherapy for Painful Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis – A Study Protocol

We report the protocol of a prospective observational study on surgical and conservative therapies for painful thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis.150 consecutive patients who are referred to our centers for surgery or LD-EBRT of CMC arthrosis will be offered the participation in this trial. Four examinations are planned: 1) baseline (after given informed consent, before treatment), 2) at three months, 3) at 12 months, and 4) at 24 months after therapy