Early rehabilitation program for post-operative distal radius fractures
Official title: Randomized Controlled Trial for Post-operative Fracture Distal Radius Rehabilitation - The Early Motion Protocol Rehabilitation vs. Early Strengthening Study (EMPRESS Trial)
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT06931418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new early rehab program for people who had surgery for wrist fractures to see if it helps them recover better and feel less pain compared to standard rehab methods.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 22, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 25, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06931418 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 50 years or older with an isolated closed displaced distal radius fracture requiring surgical fixation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of previous hand or wrist surgery, neurological conditions affecting the upper limb, or those requiring immobilization post-surgery 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 safety and effectiveness of an early strengthening and passive mobilization rehabilitation program for patients who have undergone surgery for distal radius fractures. The approach contrasts with conventional rehabilitation methods by allowing immediate strengthening exercises and active mobilization post-operatively. The study will compare outcomes from this new protocol against standard rehabilitation practices, which typically involve a period of immobilization. The goal is to improve functional outcomes and reduce complications such as stiffness and pain in the early recovery phase.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to improved recovery times and better functional outcomes for patients with distal radius fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with early mobilization protocols, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial, though this specific early strengthening protocol is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 50 years or older * Diagnosed with an isolated closed injury, displaced, distal radius fracture (AO/OTA Classification 23-A1-3, B1-2, C1-2) without articular comminution * Requires operative fixation * Able to give consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of previous hand or wrist surgery * Neurological injury or pre-existing neurological conditions to the upper limb * Underlying osteoarthritis of the wrist * Unfit for surgical anesthesia * Subacute fractures with delayed presentation (\>2 weeks since initial injury) * Unable to consent * Refuse surgical intervention * Unable to follow commands for rehabilitation * Fixation construct or injuries requiring immobilization after surgery, such as unfixed distal ulna head or shaft fractures that require splintage or distal radio-ulnar joint instability planned for immobilization
Where it's running
-
Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christian Prof. Fang, MBBS(HK), FRCS(Edinburgh), FHK — Dept of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Queen Mary Hospital
- Study coordinator: Christian Prof. Fang, MBBS(HK)
- Email: cfang@hku.hk
- Phone: +852 22554581
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Optimal Duration of Mechanical Traction for Displaced Distal Radius Fractures
This study tests whether 1 minute of mechanical traction can align a displaced distal radius as well as 5 or 10 minutes in adults who come to the emergency department.
-
ESWT added to rehabilitation for CRPS-I after a distal radius fracture
This trial tests whether adding extracorporeal shock wave therapy to standard rehab helps adults with CRPS-I after a distal radius fracture.
-
Wrist Injury Strengthening Exercise added to usual care for improving pain and function after a wrist fracture
This trial tests whether a therapist-guided strengthening program helps people 50 and older recover better from a wrist fracture than standard self-management advice.
-
Home-use photobiomodulation (light) therapy to help recovery after distal radius (wrist) fracture surgery
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.
-
Fear of movement and recovery after a non-surgical broken wrist
This project will see if fear of movement (kinesiophobia) predicts recovery in people treated without surgery for a broken wrist.
-
Casting without prior reduction versus closed reduction for displaced wrist (distal radius) fractures in people 65 and older
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.