Comparing screws and pins for fixing broken fingers
Official title: Intramedullary Screw Versus Kirschner Wire Fixation of Extraarticular Proximal and Middle Phalanx Fractures: Pilot Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by McMaster University · NCT06372067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether using screws or pins works better for fixing broken fingers in adults and helps them recover faster with better hand function and satisfaction.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 22, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06372067 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for surgery to fix a closed phalanx fracture.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with multiple finger fractures or significant hand trauma may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two surgical methods for fixing fractures in the proximal and middle phalanx of the fingers: intramedullary screws and Kirschner wires (K-wires). The research focuses on evaluating hand function, patient satisfaction, and the speed of recovery after surgery. By analyzing outcomes from patients undergoing these two different fixation techniques, the study seeks to determine which method provides better results with fewer complications. The study involves adult patients who require surgical intervention for their finger fractures and will follow them for three months post-surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical techniques for finger fractures, resulting in better recovery and hand function for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Emerging evidence suggests that intramedullary screw fixation may be a promising alternative to traditional methods, indicating potential success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. adult patients ≥18 years old 2. scheduled for operative management of extraarticular proximal or middle closed phalanx fracture(s) at the investigators' tertiary hospital 3. feasible to perform closed reduction 4. able to provide informed consent and complete health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires in English Exclusion Criteria: 1. other fractures that cannot be managed with IM screws or K-wires 2. other intraarticular fractures 3. significant concomitant hand trauma 4. cannot commit to 3 months of follow up at the investigators' institution
Where it's running
-
St. Joseph's Healthcare
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.