Lucerne cast versus forearm cast with finger splint for proximal phalanx fractures.
Official title: Conservative Therapy of Proximal Phalanx Fractures - a Prospective Randomized Study Comparing the Lucerne Cast With Finger Splinting
Run by Medical University of Vienna · NCT06022419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether the Lucerne cast gives better finger function than a forearm cast with a finger splint in adults with a proximal phalanx fracture.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 86 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vienna) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | August 2027 |
| Study ends | February 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06022419 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–70 with an acute proximal phalanx fracture of fingers II–V who can provide informed consent and present within seven days are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with intraarticular or condylar fractures, collateral ligament avulsions, compound or multiple hand injuries, polytrauma, pregnancy, or late presentation are unlikely to benefit from this comparison.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing two conservative treatments for proximal phalanx fractures of fingers II–V. Adults aged 18–70 who meet inclusion criteria are randomized to receive either a Lucerne cast or a forearm cast with a finger splint, each applied for four weeks. Randomization follows CONSORT guidelines using the 'Randomizer' software, and clinical outcomes are assessed 12 weeks after injury. Key exclusions include intraarticular or condylar fractures, ligament avulsions, compound or multiple hand injuries, polytrauma, pregnancy, and delayed presentation beyond seven days.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the Lucerne cast could improve finger function and recovery compared with standard forearm casting with a finger splint.
How similar studies have gone: Conservative casting for phalanx fractures is well established, but randomized comparisons specifically testing the Lucerne cast against forearm cast plus finger splint are limited, making this a relatively novel controlled comparison.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Proximal phalanx fracture in the fingers (II - V) * Patient age between 18 and 70 years Exclusion Criteria: * Condylar fracture * Avulsions of the collateral ligament * Pathologic fracture * Intraarticular fracture * Patients unable to consent * Polytraumatized patients * Patients initially presenting more than 7 days after injury * Pregnancy * Compound fractures * Multiple hand injuries
Where it's running
-
Medical University of Vienna - Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery
Vienna, Austria Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Paul L Hoppe, M.D.
- Email: paul.hoppe@meduniwien.ac.at
- Phone: 0043 1 40400 59160
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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.