Comparing screws and pins for fixing broken fingers
Intramedullary Screw Versus Kirschner Wire Fixation of Extraarticular Proximal and Middle Phalanx Fractures: Pilot Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06372067 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for surgery to fix a closed phalanx fracture.
Not a fit: Patients with multiple finger fractures or significant hand trauma may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Emerging evidence suggests that intramedullary screw fixation may be a promising alternative to traditional methods, indicating potential success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- St. Joseph's Healthcare — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.