Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 100

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.

More Distal Radius Fracture trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
Enrollment115 (estimated)
SponsorBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 2014
Main results expectedAugust 2027
Study endsDecember 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT02346929 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

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.