Early rehabilitation program for post-operative distal radius fractures
Randomized Controlled Trial for Post-operative Fracture Distal Radius Rehabilitation - The Early Motion Protocol Rehabilitation vs. Early Strengthening Study (EMPRESS Trial)
NA · The University of Hong Kong · NCT06931418
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06931418 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hong Kong
- 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
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.
Conditions: Distal Radius Fracture, Distal radius fracture, Rehabilitation, Patient outcomes, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Orthopaedic fracture repair