Clinical Research Studies

The purpose of this study is to determine if transferring fat tissue from your lower abdomen or outer thigh into the base of the thumb or the elbow for patients with arthritis or pain improves pain and function compared to a steroid injection. Steroids are commonly given as treatment for thumb arthritis and elbow pain. Your participation will involve one clinic visit with either steroid injection or fat injection into the base of your thumb or your elbow. If you are randomized to the fat injection group, the fat will be harvested in the clinic using local anesthesia. Participation will also involve filling out two questionnaires on your pain and function level and an examination of hand strength and range of motion. The follow up visits will occur at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the injection.