Treatment Trials

74 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions

Focus your search

RECRUITING
Is Sensorimotor Training Effective Following a Distal Radius Fracture?
Description

The purpose of this study is to compare the short-term outcomes of individuals who have surgery (volar plate) for a wrist (distal radius) fracture who have routine hand therapy treatment versus routine hand therapy treatment and sensorimotor activities. Individuals who meet inclusion criteria at the facilities collecting data will be invited to participate. If they agree to participate, they will randomly and blindly (via concealed envelopes) be assigned to the control (routine treatment) or the sensorimotor treatment group. Data collection will occur at 3- and 6-weeks post initiation of skilled therapy and will include measurement of joint position sense, function via the Patient Rated Wrist and Hand, pain via the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and range of motion at the digits and wrist.

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Novel Exercises to Facilitate Recovery of Supination and Pronation for Distal Radius Fractures Managed With a Volar Plate
Description

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of elbow position on achieving forearm supination and pronation and wrist ROM postoperatively. It is anticipated the results will show recovery of functional motion in a shorter period of time (27 days average). As for the secondary objective of the study, it is anticipated there will be limited pain and cost-containment. These data elements will serve as secondary factors to evaluate.

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Prospective Evaluation of Cast Bivalving for Pediatric Distal Radius Fractures
Description

Pediatric patients with distal radius fractures are most commonly treated non-operatively with fracture reduction and cast immobilization. In order to prevent complications from increased swelling after the injury (or fracture manipulation) casts may be split along their length to relieve pressure. However, this can compromise the casts' structural integrity, predisposing fractures to loss of reduction. The goal of this study was to investigate if cast bivalving, or splitting the cast longitudinally on both sides, resulted in any immediate change to bony alignment and to assess if bivalving effected cast parameters associated with loss of reduction.

WITHDRAWN
Timing of Bridge Plate Removal and Distal Radius Fracture Outcomes
Description

The purpose of this randomized control trial will be to determine whether the duration of bridge plate fixation of distal radius fractures can be reduced to 6-8 weeks without worsening of functional outcomes relative to the current standard of greater than 12 weeks of fixation. The secondary aim of the study is to determine whether a reduced duration of bridge plate fixation leads to an increase in wrist range of motion following plate removal compared to the standard duration of fixation. 100 patients with comminuted distal radius fractures that are indicated for bridge plate fixation will be randomized to the Accelerated Removal arm (n = 50) or the Standard Removal arm (n = 50).

NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Use of a Vibration Tool for Postoperative Pain Control in Distal Radius Fractures
Description

The purpose of this research study is to determine if using a vibration tool improves pain control after surgical treatment of distal radius fracture. Additionally, the investigators would like to determine if this tool has any impact on consumption of pain medications postoperatively.

UNKNOWN
Low Dose Dexamethasone for Distal Radius Fractures
Description

The addition of the steroid dexamethasone to a single injection of local anesthetic has been shown to significantly prolong the duration of peripheral nerve blockade compared to local anesthetic alone. This allows for improved post-operative pain scores and reduces opioid use in the early post-operative period. However, the use of a steroid adjuvant in regional nerve blocks is generally not considered standard of care, and there is considerable variation among anesthesiologists regarding preferred formulations and the role of adjuvants in regional anesthesia. A recent study from our institution demonstrated the effectiveness of dexamethasone directly mixed with local anesthetic at multiple doses compared to placebo for upper extremity surgery. With this prospective randomized controlled blinded trial, we hope to definitively establish which method of adjuvant dexamethasone administration is superior in extending the effects of a brachial plexus nerve block.

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Opiate Sparing Protocol Randomized Controlled Trial in Open Distal Radius Fracture Repair
Description

A comparison of oral morphine equivalents between an opiate sparing cohort and an opiate based cohort following open reduction internal fixation of a distal radius fracture.

UNKNOWN
Early Mobilization Following Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures
Description

The overall purpose of this study is to establish the utility of early mobilization in improving patient satisfaction following plate and screw fixation of wrist fractures. Subjects will have objective range of motion data collected and subjective survey data collected at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year after being randomized either to an early mobilization group that receives a removable wrist splint or a late mobilization group that is placed in a splint for 2 weeks post-operatively. The investigators expect that early wrist mobilization following locking plate fixation of wrist fractures will lead to an increase in postoperative patient satisfaction without a significant increase in complications.

RECRUITING
Quantitative and Clinical Assessment of Flexor Tendon Gliding Following Application of a Bioresorbable Hydrogel: A Prospective, Randomized Study in Patients Undergoing Distal Radius Fracture Repair
Description

The investigators will be evaluating the use of versawrap in the setting of distal radius fractures by placing membrane between plate and flexor tendons. Investigators will then evaluate tendon gliding morphology and number of tendon ruptures

UNKNOWN
A Study Evaluating Splinting and Casting for Distal Radius Fractures in the Elderly
Description

Distal radial fractures are the most common fracture of the upper extremity in adults, with a higher incidence in those 65 years of age or older. In 2009, Karl et al demonstrated that there are 25.42 distal radial fractures in this age group per 10,000 person-years in the US. Despite the frequency of distal radius fractures, there is still debate over the best method of treatment. In contrast to younger patients, patients who are 65 years or older appear to have acceptable functional outcomes and treatment satisfaction regardless of the presence of malalignment on radiographic imaging.Therefore, nonsurgical management has been shown to be a viable treatment option. The purpose of this study is to compare non-operative treatment with a removable splint versus a short arm cast for distal radial fractures in patients who are 65 years of age or older who are indicated for non-operative fracture treatment.

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Postoperative Immobilization and Physical Therapy Following Volar Locked Plating for Distal Radius Fractures
Description

The purpose of this study is to see if splinting and formal physical therapy are necessary following surgical fixation (open reduction internal fixation) of distal radius fractures (broken wrist). Currently there is no consensus for post-operative protocol following fixation of distal radius fractures. The decision to splint (late mobilization) and prescribe formal physical therapy vs. not to splint (early mobilization) and use self-guided physical therapy is based on surgeon or institutional preference. The goal of this study is to determine if early mobilization leads to improved outcomes and decreased costs without increasing pain or the loss of hardware fixation.

TERMINATED
Well-arm Exercise in Distal Radius Fractures
Description

A single center randomized control study. Patients \>18 years with isolated distal radius fractures treated non-operatively will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (exercise of contralateral "well" arm) or control group (standard fracture care and rehabilitation).

RECRUITING
Perioperative Glucocorticoid Administration in the Treatment of Adult Distal Radius Fractures
Description

The purpose of this investigation is to compare functional outcome measures and range of motion for patients receiving glucocorticoid (GC) injections versus those not receiving GCs for the treatment of distal radius fractures. The investigators hypothesize that patients who receive GC will have improved ROM and functional outcome measures compared to patients who do not receive GC. In addition, this study aims to determine if there is a difference in rates of complications and postoperative pain control between the GC and non-GC groups. In order to accomplish these aims, the investigators will conduct a prospective, randomized, controlled investigation.

UNKNOWN
Use of Digital Tomosynthesis for Detection and Case Management of Scaphoid and Distal Radius Fractures: A VolumeRAD Data Collection Study
Description

The study described herein is being conducted to collect clinical data associated with diagnosis and treatment information using the VolumeRAD advanced application.

WITHDRAWN
Long Arm Vs Short Arm Fiberglass Cast for Treatment of Displaced Distal Radius Fractures
Description

The aim of the study is to determine by multicenter randomized controlled trial whether short arm fiberglass casts are as effective as long arm casts for immobilizing displaced pediatric distal third forearm fractures that have undergone closed reduction. The primary outcome is loss of reduction requiring cast wedging, recasting, repeat reduction, or surgical intervention. Secondary outcomes will include Patient Reported Outcome Measures for physical function, such as Pedi-FABS, PROMIS (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) Upper Extremities , and UCLA (University of California Los Angelos) Activity Scale, and pain/comfort levels,such as PROMIS Pediatric Pain Interference, PROMIS Pediatric Pain Intensity, and VAS ( Visual Analogue Scale) comfort in cast. In addition, secondary outcomes include complications (skin irritation, compartment syndrome, elbow stiffness, cast saw burns etc). The investigators will assess potential risk factors for loss of reduction including initial displacement, level of fracture (physeal, metaphyseal, meta-diaphyseal), initial translation, initial angulation, age, sex, cast index, padding index, adequacy of initial reduction, and provider level of training.

TERMINATED
Effect of NSAID Use on Pain and Opioid Consumption Following Distal Radius Fracture
Description

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are excellent medications for providing pain control in certain patients. There is some data to suggest that NSAIDs can be used to reduce postoperative pain and narcotic use in patients who had undergone carpal tunnel release. There are mixed results about the effect of bone healing in adult patients with broken bones. The investigators hypothesize that NSAID administration in the acute phase of distal radius fracture healing will be non-inferior for pain control and decrease the use of opioid analgesics compared to patients who take acetaminophen for pain control during this same time period. Furthermore, the investigators hypothesize that patients will have similar or better patient reported outcomes, range of motion, and strength with the administration of NSAIDs.

COMPLETED
Radiographic and Clinical Comparison of Post-reduction Splinting Constructs in the Treatment of Acute Displaced Distal Radius Fractures
Description

Subjects with acute, displaced distal radius fractures will be randomized at the time of emergency room evaluation to one of two commonly accepted splinting methods for displaced distal radius fractures: sugar tong splints or volar/dorsal clam shell splints. Reduction will be performed in the usual, standard fashion and the selected splint applied. Standard radiographic measurements of alignment, including radial height, volar tilt and inclination will be measured on pre- and post- reduction radiographs by a single reviewer- who will be blinded to splint application type. At the first fracture follow-up visit, typically occurring between 5-10 days, as in standard practice, repeat radiographs of the wrist will be taken, and the same reviewer will measure alignment. As a secondary outcome, patients will also complete the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire at this visit, to compare patients' ability to perform activities of daily living with their respective splints.

COMPLETED
Low Dose CT Distal Radius Fractures
Description

This study is a prospective, departmental funded study examining the outcomes of Low Dose CT scans compared to Conventional Dose CT scans in patients who present to Duke University with a Distal Radius Fracture.

UNKNOWN
BFR DISTRAD NON OP: Blood Flow Restricted Training During Rehabilitation Following Distal Radius Fracture
Description

Occlusion training, resistance exercise performed with a specialized venous tourniquet, leads to beneficial changes in muscle strength at low resistance and minimal stress on the nearby joint. This novel resistance training has the potential to greatly improve muscle strength gains in individuals who are unable, for medical reasons, to perform the high resistance exercises typically required to improve strength. Our study will examine the effect of this technique on strength recovery following distal radius fracture treated with cast immobilization (non-operatively). The primary objective of the intervention is to achieve accelerated recovery of forearm, wrist and hand function as assessed using measures such as grip/pinch strength, validated questionnaires, and functional outcome testing. Occlusion training can potentially serve as a specialty intervention for rehabilitation patients, reduce the cost of care, and improve the treatment options for both patients and providers.

COMPLETED
Graded Motor Imagery for Women at Risk for Developing Type I CRPS Following Closed Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures
Description

Nearly 2 out of 10 women will sustain a distal forearm fracture throughout their lifespan.Recent longitudinal studies illustrate that as many as 1/3 of all persons who undergo closed reduction and casting for distal radius fractures (DRF) go on to develop type 1 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Graded motor imagery (i.e., motor imagery and mirror therapy), a movement representation technique, is strongly supported in the literature as a treatment of CRPS and has recently been suggested as a potential strategy to prevent its onset. Other complications include disability, wrist/forearm tightness and sensorimotor changes. The investigators propose that an early intervention protocol which includes graded motor imagery (GMI) will improve the pain, functional and upper limb sensorimotor outcomes of persons following closed reduction and casting of DRF relative to a standard of care intervention.

TERMINATED
Immobilization of Postoperative Distal Radius Fractures
Description

The management of distal radius fractures has been in a state of evolution over the past 30 years. Treatment has become increasingly focused on obtaining a stable, internal construct for quick return to normal, daily activities. With the advent of volar locking plates, the wrist fracture is stable before the patient leaves the operating room. As surgical plate and screw constructs become more stable, the need for casting and splinting may be less. The presumptive "next step" in operative management of distal radius fractures is to do away with the postoperative splint. A review of the available English language literature failed to reveal any studies evaluating the use of postoperative splinting and patient outcomes. This prospective, randomized study was designed to investigate the use of temporary plaster splints versus removable over-the-counter splits versus soft dressings for post-operative treatment of extra-articular and intra-articular distal radius fractures. The patients will be followed for 12 months evaluating maintenance of fracture reduction and patient outcomes.

TERMINATED
Shared Decision Making in Older Adults With Distal Radius Fractures
Description

This is a study to investigate the use of a Decision Aid for shared decision making in older adults with distal radius fractures. The goal is to improve patient decisions making, and improve patient knowledge through the use of a validated decision aid.

Conditions
TERMINATED
Single Shot vs Catheter Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block After Distal Radius Fracture Repair
Description

The purpose of this study is to compare infraclavicular brachial plexus shot single shot block to continuous catheter nerve block done in adult patients who have under gone surgery to repair distal radius fractures. Visual analogue scores, opioid consumption, quality of recovery and quality of sleep up to 72 hours post operatively will be used for comparison.

TERMINATED
Short Forearm Casting Versus Below-elbow Splinting for Acute Immobilization of Distal Radius Fractures
Description

There is no consensus regarding the need to immobilize the elbow in immediate immobilization of closed distal radius fractures post-reduction. Decreased functionality of the upper extremity is a notable morbidity associated with below-elbow splinting of distal radius fractures post-reduction. Few studies have provided evidence comparing sugar tong splinting versus short-arm casting as methods of immediate post-reduction immobilization. The study will randomize patients with close distal radius fractures to short forearm casting versus sugar tong splinting with close follow up including radiographic and clinical evaluation. This will provide guidance regarding the need for short forearm cast immobilization versus sugar tong splinting in early maintenance of reduction of closed distal radius fractures, as well as functional effects of sugar tong splinting versus short forearm casting.

UNKNOWN
BFR DISTRAD: Blood Flow Restricted Training During Rehabilitation Following Distal Radius Fracture Repair
Description

Occlusion training, resistance exercise performed with a specialized venous tourniquet, leads to beneficial changes in muscle strength at low resistance and minimal stress on the nearby joint. This novel resistance training has the potential to greatly improve muscle strength gains in individuals who are unable, for medical reasons, to perform the high resistance exercises typically required to improve strength. Our study will examine the effect of this technique on strength recovery following distal radius fracture repair. The primary objective of the intervention is to achieve accelerated recovery of forearm, wrist and hand function as assessed using measures such as grip/pinch strength, validated questionnaires, and functional outcome testing. Occlusion training can potentially serve as a specialty intervention for rehabilitation patients, reduce the cost of care, and improve the treatment options for both patients and providers.

RECRUITING
Hematoma Block for Distal Radius Fracture
Description

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of ultrasound guided hematoma block versus traditional "blind" hematoma block for analgesia in distal radius fracture reduction.

COMPLETED
Pain Outcomes of Intra-operative IV Tylenol and/or IV Toradol for Carpal Tunnel and Distal Radius Fracture Surgeries
Description

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of intra-operative administration of IV tylenol and/or IV toradol in minimizing post-operative pain for carpal tunnel patients and distal radius fracture patients.

COMPLETED
Does Vitamin C Reduce Finger Stiffness After Distal Radius Fractures?
Description

The reported prevalence of disproportionate pain and disability among patients recovering from a fracture of the distal radius varies widely. Literature reports numbers between 1% and 37%, perhaps in part because it is poorly defined, known by so many different names, subjective, and unverifiable. The investigators are interested in the effect of vitamin C after distal radius fractures on objective measurement of finger motion, patient reported outcome measures, and pain intensity, instead of the previously used, subjective and imprecise criteria for complex regional pain syndrome. Patients presenting to the Hand and Orthopaedic Trauma Services of MGH with a distal radius fracture will be asked to participate in this clinical trial. Patient will be randomly assigned to take either placebo or vitamin C 500 mg until full finger motion is attained as regarded by the treating physician at follow-up or for 6 weeks. The investigators hypothesize no difference in finger stiffness at 6 weeks measured by distance to palmar crease of the index through little finger between patients taking vitamin C or placebo after a distal radius fracture. Additionally, the investigators assess finger stiffness by range of motion and stiffness of the thumb, and difference in PROMIS upper extremity function and pain score both measured at six months.

COMPLETED
Effects of Upper Extremity Immobilization and Use of a Steering Wheel Spinner Knob Following Distal Radius Fracture
Description

The aims of the study are to better understand how upper extremity injury and immobilization influences a patient's steering ability. Patients with acute distal radius fractures treated with surgery will be recruited for study in a driving simulator. The results will hopefully assist physicians to better counsel patients with upper extremity injuries on when it is safe to return to driving.

COMPLETED
Waterproof Casting for Pediatric Distal Radius Fractures
Description

Distal radius fractures are one of the most commonly seen fractures in children. Traditionally, minimally angulated or non-displaced distal radius fractures are treated with short or long-arm cast immobilization for up to 8 weeks. The traditional fiberglass casts used must be kept dry to prevent inflammation and potential infection. If a fiberglass cast gets wet, it must be removed and replaced. In general, waterproof casting has been shown to improve patient comfort and overall satisfaction. We intend to explore the efficacy of a new, waterproof cast made of a hybrid mesh in the treatment of minimally angulated distal radius fractures in children using a randomized, controlled, cross-over study design. We will include patients between 4 and 14 years of age with minimally angulated distal radius fractures (\<15 degrees of angulation on sagittal or coronal planes) presented to the Orthopaedic Institute for Children Urgent Care Facility within 7 days of injury. As determined by a power analysis, a total of 26 patients will be enrolled in the study. Patients eligible for the study will be randomized into one of two equally sized (n=13) groups: patients in Group 1 will receive a short arm cast made of the waterproof hybrid mesh material and patients in Group 2 will receive a regular fiberglass cast. Both groups will follow-up at two weeks for clinical and radiological evaluation, after which they will be transitioned into a regular fiberglass cast (Group 1) or a hybrid mesh waterproof cast (Group 2) for an additional two weeks. This crossover will allow both groups to experience each type of cast. After four weeks of immobilization, patients in both groups will discontinue casting and be advised to avoid contact sports or strenuous activities until week 8. Patients in both groups will follow up 8 weeks after initial treatment for clinical and radiological evaluation to evaluate range of motion, pain, and fracture alignment. Physical function will be evaluated at weeks 1, 2, and 4 using the Activities Scale for Kids - Performance, a validated, highly reliable, self-reported measure that assesses physical function in children between 5 and 15 years. Pain will be evaluated using the Faces Pain Scale, a validated, highly reliable scale commonly used in the pediatric population. Patient satisfaction will be measured at Weeks 1, 2, and 4, and the radiographs at Week 8 will be compared with initial radiographs to assess fracture displacement and angulation. Skin changes will be assessed at week 2 and week 4 by an independent observer blinded to the type of cast that has been removed and digital photographs will be obtained and analyzed using ImageJ Image Processing and Analysis Software to calculate the surface area of any described skin changes as a percentage of total skin area originally covered by the cast. Itching will be assessed at weeks 1, 2, and 4 using a visual analogue scale in which a horizontal line of 100 mm will be presented to the patient with "no itching" at the left end of the scale and "strongest itching" at the right end. We hope to determine whether the new, waterproof cast can result in similar clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction for distal radius fractures as compared with the traditional fiberglass cast.