Beverley Wadsworth's life-changing moment came when she was accepted onto a pioneering surgical trial for osteoarthritis in her thumb. This debilitating condition had threatened to end the 58-year-old hairdresser's career after 43 years of service. Now, thanks to the SCOOTT trial (Surgery versus Conservative Osteoarthritis of Thumb), Ms Wadsworth is pain-free and back to work – a decade-long career extension that she was not expecting.
The SCOOTT trial is comparing three different approaches to managing thumb arthritis: surgery, including carpometacarpal joint replacement, trapeziectomy, and non-surgical management. Led by University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the study involves over 600 patients randomly assigned to one of these treatment groups.
For Ms Wadsworth, from Burntwood, the pain had been worsening over two years, severely impacting her grip, and causing mental distress. 'My hands are my tools and without them I can't do my job,' she said before her surgery. With carpometacarpal joint replacement, Ms Wadsworth has experienced a remarkable recovery – nine weeks after the procedure, she reported a significant improvement in her condition.
'I can grip and pinch a lot better and my movement is great,' she said, relieved that she can continue her career without pain. However, the long-term effectiveness of each treatment option will be assessed over 18 months as part of the SCOOTT trial. This will provide valuable insights into the cost-efficiency of each approach.
NHS data suggests that osteoarthritis affects approximately 1 in every 10 people aged between 50 and 60, making it a common condition among older adults. According to the NHS's arthritis guide, around half of those affected will experience thumb pain at some point in their lives. The SCOOTT trial aims to provide evidence-based solutions for healthcare professionals to manage this debilitating condition effectively.