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

Launched by NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · Apr 6, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a special vibration tool can help manage pain better after surgery for distal radius fractures, which are breaks in the wrist bone. The researchers want to see if using this tool not only reduces pain but also helps patients use less pain medication during their recovery.

To participate in the study, individuals must be between the ages of 65 and 74 and have had a specific type of surgery called open reduction and internal fixation for their fracture. They should be able to read, write, and understand English and be willing to go through occupational therapy at a specific clinic. However, people who are having certain types of surgeries or those who only need simpler treatments for their fractures cannot join. If someone participates, they can expect to use the vibration tool after their surgery and share their experience to help improve pain management for future patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with a distal radius fracture who have undergone an open reduction and internal fixation using a volar FCR approach with a single volar plate
• • Patients who can read, write, and follow direction in English
• • Willing to undergo occupational therapy at Northwestern Medicine's Hand Surgery clinic
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients undergoing oncologic surgery
• • Patients who undergo simultaneous surgery such as open carpal tunnel
• • Patients who only require closed reduction of distal radius fractures
• • Operative patients that require dorsal plate fixation or separate radial styloid plate fixation