Auricular acupuncture to reduce pain after wrist surgery

Auricular Acupuncture As Part Of A Multimodal Regimen For Reduction Of Opioid Analgesic Use After Distal Radius Open Reduction and Internal Fixation- A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Baylor College of Medicine · NCT05974254

This study tests if auricular acupuncture can help reduce the need for pain medication after wrist surgery for people aged 18-64.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorBaylor College of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05974254 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen for patients undergoing surgery to repair distal radius fractures. It aims to determine if patients receiving acupuncture during surgery will require fewer opioids postoperatively compared to those who do not receive this treatment. The study will involve patients aged 18-64 who are scheduled for open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures under brachial plexus anesthesia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or standard care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-64 scheduled for distal radius surgery under brachial plexus anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with renal dysfunction, allergies to anesthetic agents, or those unable to communicate effectively with investigators may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the need for opioid pain medications after wrist surgery, leading to better pain management and reduced opioid-related side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient ages 18-64
* American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status 1, 2, or 3
* Patients scheduled to undergo distal radius ORIF under brachial plexus nerve block

Exclusion Criteria:

* Renal dysfunction (Serum Cr \> 1.2) - excluded due to potential for altered metabolism of anesthetic and perioperative medications
* Allergy to any of the standard anesthetic agents
* Patient inability to properly communicate with investigators
* Patient or surgeon refusal

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Radius Fracture DistalPain, Postoperative
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.