Comparing ultrasound guided and traditional hematoma blocks for pain relief in wrist fractures
Official title: Comparison of Ultrasound-guided Hematoma Block and "Blind" Hematoma Block for Analgesia in Distal Radius Fractures
Run by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NCT02346929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether using ultrasound to guide pain relief injections can work better for adults with wrist fractures than the traditional method.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 115 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 2014 |
| Main results expected | August 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02346929 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older presenting to the emergency department with a distal radius fracture.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with high acuity distress, altered mental status, or significant communication barriers 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 evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound guided hematoma blocks compared to traditional 'blind' hematoma blocks for providing analgesia during the reduction of distal radius fractures. Hematoma blocks involve injecting lidocaine into the fracture line to alleviate pain, but can be challenging in cases of significant swelling. By utilizing ultrasound, the study seeks to enhance the precision and efficacy of this analgesic technique. The research will involve adult patients presenting with distal radius fractures in the emergency department.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management techniques for patients with distal radius fractures.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been case reports indicating the feasibility of ultrasound guided hematoma blocks, this is the first randomized controlled trial comparing it to traditional methods.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patient ≥ 18 years old presenting to the emergency department with complaint of distal radius fracture Exclusion Criteria: * High acuity/distress per the Attending ED physician * Altered mental status or intoxication * Aphasia, mental retardation, dementia, or insurmountable communication barrier * Acute psychiatric illness
Where it's running
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Beatrice Hoffmann, MD — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Beatrice Hoffmann, MD
- Email: bhoffma2@bidmc.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-754-2323
Similar studies
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This test will see if a home-use light therapy device plus twice-daily home exercises helps adults 18–65 recover wrist function after surgical repair of a distal radius fracture.
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This project will see if fear of movement (kinesiophobia) predicts recovery in people treated without surgery for a broken wrist.
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This trial will test whether simply putting a cast on displaced wrist fractures in people 65 and older works as well as doing a closed reduction before casting by measuring wrist pain and function at 12 months.
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.