3 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
When people break their arm and arrive at Oregon Health and Science University's Emergency Department (OHSU ED), they are treated with a short-term means of immobilizing their broken arm. The two most common ways of stabilizing the broken parts of the arm are 1) with a plaster-based coaptation splint, or 2) with a soft cloth sling and swathe. These hold the arm steady until the patient can schedule an appointment with the OHSU Orthopaedic Trauma clinic where they will receive definitive evaluation and stabilization/fixation. In much of the orthopaedic literature coaptation splints are the default immobilization method. The investigators hypothesize however, that sling and swathe immobilization may be equally effective for short term stabilization, while being faster to apply, and more comfortable for the patient. This randomized, unblinded prospective study will follow the satisfaction, quality of life and limited functional outcomes of all enrolled participants during the first week following their injury.
The subject's broken humerus (arm) is suitable for treatment with a fracture brace or operative fixation with plate and screws. Both of these types of treatments are often used by doctors to fix broken bones. If the subject agrees to participate in this study, the subject will be assigned by the treating surgeon to one of the following groups: Group B: Non-operative treatment with a fracture brace Group P: a plate \& screws - a metal device placed on top of the bone. The investigators will collect information about the subject's arm fracture as it is treated with examinations and X-rays. X-rays will be obtained often in the first several months, depending on how the fracture is healing. This is determined by the doctor and will not be determined by the subject's participation in this research study. Both treatments are routinely used and this study hopes to provide information regarding each type of treatment on the subject's functional outcome. A subject's treatment will not be affected whether they choose to participate in this research study or not. The treatment of these subjects is no different because of this study. The treating surgeon will discuss with the patient their preferred treatment for the isolated humeral shaft fracture. If they meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria, they will be approached for participation in one of two treatment groups depending on a previous decision by the patient and the treating surgeon. Hypotheses: 1. Patients with an isolated humeral shaft fracture that are plated will have a more rapid return to ADL's, work and full functional capacity than patients treated conservatively. 2. Patients treated with plate technique will have a more rapid improvement in functional outcome scores, decreased pain scores and patient satisfaction than those managed conservatively. 3. Complication rates of infection and iatrogenic neurologic injury will be higher in patients treated operatively. 4. Nonunion and malunion will be higher in patients managed conservatively.
Analgesic drug study that will compare pain outcomes of opioid analgesia and opioid-free analgesia in post-operative orthopedic patients.