Calcium Hydroxylapatite Dermal Filler for Treatment of Dorsal Hand Volume Loss: Results From a 12-Month, Multicenter, Randomized, Blinded Trial

BACKGROUND Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a carrier gel is an opaque dermal filler that has been used to provide immediate volume correction in the dorsal hands. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and effectiveness of CaHA for the correction of volume loss in the hands up to 12 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS This multicenter, controlled, single-blind study (NCT01832090) included 114 subjects randomized 3: 1 to CaHA treatment and untreated control groups. Effectiveness was assessed by blinded investigators using the validated Merz Hand Grading Scale (MHGS). Subject-reported improvement was assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Effects of treatment on hand function were also assessed. RESULTS A total of 75% of subjects achieved >= 1-point improvement on the MHGS (p < .0001) at 3 months (primary end point); this response was generally maintained through 12 months. Proportions of subjects reporting improvement ranged from 98% (3 months) to 86% (12 months). There were no clinically significant differences between control and CaHA-treated subjects in any hand function measure. Adverse events were generally expected, minor, short-lived, injection-related, and similar to those observed in previous CaHA clinical studies. CONCLUSION Treatment with CaHA results in significant improvement in the appearance of the dorsal hand and is well tolerated.