Evaluating the timing of surgery for rib fractures and its impact on recovery
Impact of Time Interval Between Trauma and Operation on Clinical Outcome in Patients With Delayed Rib Fixation (Nonunion)
University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06788067
This study looks at how the timing of surgery for rib fractures affects recovery and pain levels in patients who had surgery weeks or months after their injury.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel, Basel-Stadt) |
| Trial ID | NCT06788067 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the outcomes of patients who underwent delayed surgical stabilization of rib fractures or nonunion. It focuses on patients who had surgery between 3 weeks and 3 months after trauma and those who had surgery more than 3 months post-trauma. The primary goal is to evaluate the persistence of thoracic pain in these groups, while secondary objectives include assessing overall patient well-being post-surgery. Data will be collected from patients treated at the University Hospital Basel from 2012 to 2024, with follow-up visits planned to analyze postoperative outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced rib fractures due to trauma and are considering surgical intervention.
Not a fit: Patients who have been treated conservatively or who underwent surgery within 3 weeks of trauma will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical timing recommendations, enhancing recovery and quality of life for patients with rib fractures.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing literature on surgical stabilization of rib fractures, this specific focus on timing and its impact on outcomes is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who signed the study specific consent form * Patients aged ≥18 years at the time of informed consent * Patients who provided written informed consent in accordance with ICH-GCP regulations prior to participating any protocol-specific follow-up * Patients with at least one rib fracture caused by trauma (traffic accident, falls), surgery (cardiac, thoracic, lung transplantation), sports, cough, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who were treated conservatively * Patients who underwent rib fixation till 3 weeks after trauma * Patients who underwent SSRF prior to SSRFN * Patients who are unable to follow the procedures of the study, e. g. have insufficient knowledge of German or French languages, psychological disorders, dementia etc. * Patients with a pathological rib fracture(s) due to malignancy or radiation * Participation in any interventional study in our department that might influence any of the outcome parameters * Patients who underwent an initial surgery of rib fracture prior to development of a rib fracture nonunion
Where this trial is running
Basel, Basel-Stadt
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Basel — Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Svec — Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Basel
- Study coordinator: Maria Svec
- Email: maria.svec@usb.ch
- Phone: +41 61 328 71 32
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: Rib Fractures, Nonunion of Fracture, Surgical stabilization of rib fractures, Delayed SSRF, Nonunion SSRF