Abstract
Background
Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMO) is a prevalent degenerative condition. While conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, drugs, and corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections offer symptomatic relief, their long-term efficacy remains debated. A recent study has explored collagen-based fillers as an alternative, but long-term clinical outcomes are still under investigation.
Methods
This study enrolled 64 patients diagnosed with TMO, stratified into 2 groups based on the Eaton-Littler classification (grade 1-2: group A; grade 3-4: group B). All patients received a percutaneous intra-articular injection of a cell-free collagenic hydrogel under ultrasound guidance. Outcomes were assessed more than 2 years using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, Jamar and Pinch tests for grip strength, and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.
Results
In both groups, all studied variables demonstrated a significant improvement (P < 0.001) that was sustained in the long term. Notably, greater improvement was observed in strength tests for Group A patients and in the DASH score for Group B patients. The most substantial improvement occurred between 2 and 6 months post-procedure. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion
Collagen-based filler injections provide long-term pain relief and functional improvement in TMO, representing a promising minimally invasive treatment option.
Trial registry name:
NCT06881186
Introduction
Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMO), also referred to as rhizarthrosis, is a degenerative condition that affects the joint between the first metacarpal bone and the trapezium.1,2 It is the second most frequent degenerative hand disease, following osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joints. 3 The occurrence of TMO increases significantly with age, with its prevalence reaching approximately 30% in postmenopausal women and as high as 91% in individuals above 80 years old. 4 The higher incidence in women compared with men is not fully understood, though it may be influenced by anatomical differences, genetic factors, and hormones. 5
Despite its prevalence, only a small proportion of patients develop symptomatic disease, which can lead to pain, swelling, and functional impairment, severely affecting the quality of life in advanced stages.2,5 According to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), initial treatment should be conservative when symptoms first arise. This may include physiotherapy, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ultrasound therapy, and the application of a brace during joint stressful activities. 6 If pain persists and radiographic evidences show disease progression, infiltration therapy with hyaluronic acid (HA) or corticosteroids may be considered, although the effectiveness of these treatments remains a topic of debate.7-10 Some studies suggest that HA may offer better pain relief and longer-lasting effects than corticosteroids, particularly in the early stages of the condition.11-13 Conversely, corticosteroid injections may provide short-term relief by reducing inflammation. 10 For patients who do not respond to conservative treatment and present with advanced symptomatic osteoarthritis, surgical options may be necessary.14,15 However, no single surgical method has been proven superior. 16
The most widely used radiographic classification system for TMO is the Eaton-Littler classification, introduced by Richard Eaton and William Littler, which divides radiographic findings into 4 stages.17,18
In recent years, the use of fillers (i.e., HA or Platelet-Rich Plasma [PRP]) for infiltration therapy has gained attention as a viable treatment option for TMO.19-21 A recent study has demonstrated positive clinical and radiographic outcomes with collagen-based filler, particularly in terms of pain relief and improved joint function. 22 Importantly, these treatments do not interfere with the possibility of pursuing more invasive surgical options later on.
The objective of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy of treating TMO with a cell-free collagenic matrix hydrogel administered via percutaneous intra-articular infiltration under U/S guidance.
Methods
Sixty-four patients were enrolled during an initial outpatient clinical evaluation. All participants were adults with unilateral or bilateral TMO, diagnosed via radiographs obtained within the past year.
Patients were stratified into 2 groups (A and B) based on the Eaton-Littler classification: group A included patients with grade 1 or 2, whereas group B included those with grade 3 or 4. Exclusion criteria were defined as follows: prior cortisone and/or HA injections within the past 6 months, post-traumatic TMO, history of rheumatological diseases, age below 18 years old, current pregnancy, concomitant metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the long-term effects of intra-articular injection of a cell-free collagenic gel matrix into the TMO (ChondroFiller Liquid; Meidrix Biomedicals GmbH, Schelztorstraße 54-56, D-73728 Esslingen, Germany). Specifically, the following parameters were assessed: pain, using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); 23 grip strength, measured with the Jamar test; 24 pinch strength, evaluated with the Pinch tests (2-finger Pinch, 3-finger Pinch, and key Pinch); 25 and functional ability in daily activities, assessed using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. 26
The secondary objectives were to evaluate the occurrence of any local or systemic adverse effects; to assess the efficacy of post-procedural immobilization, which was reduced compared with the previously established protocol; 22 and to analyze potential statistical correlations between the assessed variables and age, sex, and the degree of TMO according to the Eaton-Littler classification.
Withdrawal of informed consent was established as the criterion for study discontinuation. The criteria for limb laterality or dominance were not deemed mandatory for enrollment.
Before the injection, the strength tests were administered, subjective pain levels were measured using the NRS, and the DASH questionnaire was completed (time 0—T0). The procedure was performed in a sterile outpatient operating room. Local anesthesia (1 ml of 2% lidocaine) was administered prior to the intra-articular injection. The injection was performed by a single operator with the patient in the supine position and under sterile field preparation. A portable ultrasound device (MyLabSigma; ESAOTE S.p.A., Genoa, Italy) equipped with a 4- to 15-MHz linear probe covered by a sterile sheath was used for guidance. The needle was introduced via a dorso-radial approach to the TMO, and proper intra-articular filling was confirmed in real time through ultrasound imaging
27

Ultrasound image of the trapeziometacarpal joint in a group A patient (stage I-II according to the Eaton-Littler classification) before
A follow-up evaluation was conducted 60 days after the procedure (time 1—T1), assessing NRS and DASH scores and performing strength tests. At 6 months (time 2—T2), 1 year (time 3—T3), and 2 year (time 4—T4) post-injection, all patients underwent other outpatient evaluations, including repeat Jamar and Pinch tests as well as reassessment of NRS and DASH scores. All the clinical evaluations were conducted by the same operator.
All statistical analyses were performed considering a significance threshold set at P < 0.05. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation for normally distributed variables, and as median (interquartile range) for non-normally distributed variables.
A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted to assess differences in demographic and clinical parameters between groups, as well as changes over time. All statistical tests were chosen based on the distribution of the data, which was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality. For continuous variables, descriptive statistics were computed, including mean and standard deviation for normally distributed data, and median with interquartile range for non-normally distributed data. Differences in baseline characteristics between groups were evaluated using an independent Student’s t-test for normally distributed variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed variables. Categorical variables, such as gender and laterality, were analyzed using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests as appropriate.
To evaluate changes in clinical parameters over time within each group, a repeated-measures approach was employed. If a variable followed a normal distribution at all time points, a 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences across time. For non-normally distributed variables, the Friedman test was applied.
Pairwise comparisons between consecutive time points (T0-T1, T1-T2, T2-T3, T3-T4) were performed separately for each group. If data were normally distributed, a paired t-test was used. In cases where normality was not met, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied.
A multivariate linear regression model was constructed to investigate the influence of demographic factors, including age, gender, and group classification, on clinical outcomes. Regression coefficients and P-values were computed to determine the strength and significance of associations.
All values related to strength tests are expressed in kilogram-force (kgf).
Results
All enrolled patients completed the protocol, and no adverse events were recorded following the intra-articular injection. The 2 groups (i.e., A and B) were numerically homogeneous, each consisting of 32 patients. Age, sex, and laterality evidences are summarized in
Demographic Distribution of Treated Patients in the 2 Groups, Stratified According to the Eaton-Littler Classification (Group A: Stage I-II, Group B: Stage III-IV).
A significant correlation was observed between group stratification and patient age (P < 0.001), marked in bold.
Student’s t-test.
Chi-square test.
The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed the normality of the age distribution (P = 0.11). The independent Student’s t-test showed a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.001).
Therefore, the chi-square test was applied to evaluate statistical differences, demonstrating a non-significant relationship between laterality or gender and disease severity (P > 0.05).
The results of the analyzed variables at different measurement points are summarized in

Graphical trend of the analyzed variables in group A (stage I-II according to the Eaton-Littler classification). JAMAR = Jamar test (kgf); PINCH POINT-POINT = 2-finger pinch test (kgf); PINCH 3 POINTS = 3-finger pinch test (kgf); PINCH KEY = key pinch test (kgf); NRS = Numeric Rating Scale (points); DASH = Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (points); T0 = intra-articular injection; T1 = 2 months; T2 = 6 months; T3 = 12 months; T4 = 24 months.

Graphical trend of the analyzed variables in group B (stage III-IV according to the Eaton-Littler classification). JAMAR = Jamar test (kgf); PINCH POINT-POINT = 2-finger pinch test (kgf); PINCH 3 POINTS = 3-finger pinch test (kgf); PINCH KEY = key pinch test (kgf); NRS = Numeric Rating Scale (points); DASH = Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (points); T0 = intra-articular injection; T1 = 2 months; T2 = 6 months; T3 = 12 months; T4 = 24 months.
Collected Data for all Variables Analyzed at the Different Time Points of the Study in the 2 Groups Stratified According to the Eaton-Littler classification (Group A: Stage I-II, Group B: Stage III-IV). As all variables were non-normally distributed, data are presented as median (interquartile range).
JAMAR = Jamar test; PINCH 1 = 2-finger pinch test; PINCH 2 = 3-finger pinch test; PINCH 3 = key pinch test; NRS = Numeric Rating Scale; DASH = Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; T0 = intra-articular injection; T1 = 2 months; T2 = 6 months; T3 = 12 months; T4 = 24 months. To evaluate changes in clinical parameters over time, separate analyses were conducted for the 2 groups. In group A, the Friedman test demonstrated statistically significant changes in the Jamar test (P < 0.001), the 2-finger Pinch test (P < 0.001), the 3-finger Pinch test (P < 0.001), the key Pinch test (P < 0.001), the NRS (P < 0.001), and the DASH score (P < 0.001) across the time points. In group B, similar findings were observed, with all primary variables exhibiting statistically significant within-group differences over time (P < 0.001).
To investigate specific differences between consecutive time points, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied. The results are summarized in
Significance of Variables Considering Temporal Differences Between Consecutive Assessments in the 2 Groups Stratified According to the Eaton-Littler Classification (Group A: Stage I-II, Group B: Stage III-IV).
The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied for all evaluations.
Statistically significant differences are marked in bold.
JAMAR = Jamar test; PINCH 1 = two-finger pinch test; PINCH 2 = three-finger pinch test; PINCH 3 = key pinch test; NRS = Numeric Rating Scale; DASH = Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; T0 = intra-articular injection; T1 = 2 months; T2 = 6 months; T3 = 12 months; T4 = 24 months.
A multivariate regression model was applied to assess the influence of age, gender, and group classification on primary clinical outcomes. In reference to the gender, males exhibited higher Jamar scores across all time points, influencing grip strength measurements (P < 0.001). Moreover, a young age–related reduction in pinch strength (P = 0.016) has been detected. Finally, the degree of disease severity (i.e., A or B) had a significant impact on DASH scores (P < 0.01), confirming the increased functional impairment in Group B.
Participation in the study required signing an informed consent form. The study was approved by the local Ethical Committee and registered on the Protocol Registration & Results System (trial registry name: NCT06881186).
Discussion
This study demonstrated that intra-articular collagen injection in patients with TMO is effective in relieving pain, restoring strength, and reducing disability in daily activities. This surgical device, previously validated for TMO treatment, 22 is further supported by this study, which includes a larger patient population and an extended follow-up period.
In reference to the conservative treatment of TMO, intra-articular injections of various substances have long been a common therapeutic approach. 21 However, the long-term effects of such procedures remain unclear. Three of the most commonly used infiltrative treatments include corticosteroids, HA, and PRP. 28 Despite extensive investigation in multiple studies, their mid-term efficacy appears to be comparable, and studies reporting follow-up periods longer than 12 months are rare. 8 For example, Bahadir et al. 29 reported that pain levels decreased significantly over 12 months in patients treated with steroid injections and over 6 months in those treated with sodium hyaluronate, while pinch strength did not improve in either group, but grip strength showed significant improvement in both. Wang et al. 30 reported significant improvements in pain, function, and patient satisfaction in individuals treated with two different HA-based viscosupplementation solutions, with effects lasting up to 2 years. However, Cormier et al. 7 observed a significant reduction in activity-related pain 3 months after intra-articular injection with both HA and corticosteroids, whereas no significant improvement was noted at 12 months or with regard to resting pain.
The acellular collagen-based filler is capable of providing a viscosupplementation effect along with an improvement in the intra-articular microenvironment in patients affected by osteoarthritis.31,32
All enrolled patients completed the proposed protocol, demonstrating a high level of compliance, which could be interpreted as a strong interest in improving an otherwise debilitating clinical condition, particularly concerning daily activities.
This study demonstrated the feasibility of performing intra-articular injections in an outpatient setting under ultrasound guidance. This represents a significant methodological advancement, allowing for the application of the procedure in an office-based surgery context. Indeed, increasing attention is being paid to reducing the costs of surgical procedures,33,34 especially for high-incidence conditions such as TMO.
Regarding the analyzed variables, despite overall statistical significance being achieved for both patient populations, it is of interest to evaluate each group separately to distinguish trends based on the time of assessment.
For group A, grip and opposition strength tests showed the greatest improvement between months 2 and 6 post-procedure, followed by stabilization and maintenance of the acquired functionality
For patients in group B, although a slight graphical trend of improvement was observed, statistical significance in strength tests was detected only within the first 2 months post-injection
Thus, patients in group A appeared to exhibit a greater improvement in strength recovery than in disability reduction, whereas patients in group B demonstrated a more substantial reduction in reported disability compared with strength recovery. Furthermore, this observation is consistent with findings from the previous study. 22 Hypothetically, younger patients with early-stage TMO may possess greater functional resources, allowing for a more effective restoration of joint mobility and mechanics, which are only mildly compromised by the disease. Conversely, their higher functional demands might lead to a subjectively perceived disability that is only partially resolved, despite improved overall functionality. In contrast, older patients with advanced disease likely have more structurally damaged joints, which cannot be substantially improved through intra-articular injections, thus limiting functional recovery. However, due to their lower functional demands, their subjective disability relief might be greater, ultimately leading to a more pronounced sense of overall well-being compared to group A patients. Multivariate regression analysis identified a notable correlation between male sex and significant grip strength improvement, as well as between younger age and improved opposition strength. In addition, group B patients exhibited a greater reduction in disability compared with group A patients; further studies with larger populations are required to clarify these considerations.
Comparison of the results of this study with similar reports in the literature is challenging due to the lack of other studies on intra-articular collagen injection, the limited standardization of study populations (particularly regarding disease stage), and the typically short follow-up periods investigated.
The main limitations of this study are the absence of a control group using other injectable treatments and the lack of a blinded protocol. Future studies should aim to compare the effects of collagen-based filler with other commonly used injectable therapies (e.g., corticosteroids, HA, PRP). Finally, it would be of interest to evaluate the actual economic impact of this procedure, particularly in comparison with other treatment options.
Given the widespread prevalence of TMO, implementing accessible treatments that minimize waiting times for traditional surgical interventions is crucial. This approach may help delay or even avoid surgical procedures, reserving them for advanced disease stages or as a second-line therapy.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the long-term efficacy and safety of intra-articular injections of a cell-free collagen-based filler in patients with TMO. The treatment resulted in significant pain reduction, improved grip and pinch strength, and enhanced functional ability, with greater strength recovery in early-stage patients and more pronounced disability reduction in advanced cases. Notably, the procedure was well tolerated, with no reported adverse events, and was successfully performed in an outpatient setting under ultrasound guidance. These findings support the use of collagen-based fillers as a viable conservative option for managing this condition, potentially delaying or reducing the need for surgical intervention. Further studies with larger cohorts and imaging-based assessments are warranted to confirm these results.
Footnotes
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge no external assistance except for the contributions of the study authors.
Ethical Considerations
The study was reviewed and approved by the local Ethics Committee (approval number: 3185CESC). In addition, the trial was registered on the Protocol Registration & Results System (PRS) portal (NCT Number: 06881186).
Consent to Participate
All patients provided written informed consent for study enrollment, as approved by the local Ethics Committee. Withdrawal of informed consent was considered an indication of the patient’s decision to discontinue participation in the study. All informed consents were collected and archived.
Consent for Publication
All patients provided written informed consent for the publication of the data collected during the study, as part of the informed consent approved by the local Ethics Committee. Withdrawal of informed consent was considered an indication of the patient’s decision to withhold the publication of their collected data.
Author Contributions
MC conceived, planned, performed the treatments and conducted the study as the principal investigator, contributing to manuscript drafting. UL conducted the study, collected data, performed statistical analyses, and wrote the manuscript. NF contributed to the diagnostic imaging investigations performed.
Funding
The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data were recorded and archived at the institution where the study was conducted. These data are available for consultation upon formal request to the relevant administrative offices.
