Evaluating the need for closed reduction in wrist fractures before surgery

Refraining From Closed Reduction of Dislocated Distal Radius Fractures in the Emergency Department

Not applicable Interventional Maasstad Hospital · NCT06046404

This study is testing if doing a closed reduction on wrist fractures before surgery helps people feel less pain and recover better compared to just using a plaster cast.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment134 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorMaasstad Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rotterdam, Maasstadweg 21)
Trial IDNCT06046404 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of closed reduction for displaced distal radial fractures in patients awaiting surgery in the emergency department. It is a multicenter cluster randomized trial involving 134 patients who will be assigned to either receive closed reduction followed by plaster casting or just plaster casting alone. The primary outcomes measured will include pain levels leading up to surgery and postoperative hand and wrist function, while secondary outcomes will assess emergency department stay duration, surgery length, return to work, and complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with displaced distal radial fractures who are eligible for surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with open fractures, multiple fractures in the same limb, or significant neurovascular damage may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and functional outcomes for patients with wrist fractures.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of evaluating closed reduction in this context is not widely tested, similar studies have shown varying results regarding the necessity and effectiveness of closed reduction in fracture management.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* displaced distal radial fracture eligible for surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* ISS traumascore \>16
* open fracture
* multiple fractures in ipsilateral extremety
* neurovascular damage
* previous injury in the same wrist
* inability to complete questionnaires

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam, Maasstadweg 21

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Wrist FracturesDistal Radius FracturesClosed Reduction of Fracture and Application of Plaster CastWrist InjuriesRadius Fracture Distal
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.