Comparing NSAIDs and opioids for pain management in tibial fractures

NSAIDs and Time to Union in Diaphyseal Tibia Fractures: Do NSAIDs Make a Difference

Phase 4 Interventional University of Louisville · NCT05332314

This study is trying to see if using less opioids along with anti-inflammatory medications can help people with tibial fractures heal faster and feel less pain compared to those who only use standard opioids.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 105 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Louisville Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Louisville, Kentucky and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05332314 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the differences in healing time, non-union rates, and post-operative pain between patients receiving opioids and those receiving NSAIDs with a reduced dosage of opioids for pain management after tibial fractures. It will involve a prospective interventional design with two randomized parallel groups, where one group receives standard opioid care and the other receives NSAIDs along with lower opioid doses. The primary outcomes will be assessed using a visual analog scale for pain and monitoring the time to union and rates of non-union. Statistical analysis will be conducted to determine any significant differences between the two groups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 105 with diaphyseal tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nails.

Not a fit: Patients with tibial fractures not treated with intramedullary nails will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies and faster recovery times for patients with tibial fractures.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored pain management strategies in orthopedic trauma, but this specific comparison of NSAIDs versus opioids in tibial fractures is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients between the ages of 18 and 105
* Diaphyseal tibia fracture (OTA/AO 42 A, B)

Exclusion Criteria:

-Tibial fractures not treated with intramedullary nails

Where this trial is running

Louisville, Kentucky and 1 other locations

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 Trauma
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.