Using Continuous Passive Motion to Prevent Heterotopic Ossification

Program of Continuous Passive Motion Exercises Against Heterotopic Ossification

NA · University of Ioannina · NCT05906056

This study is trying out a special movement therapy to see if it helps prevent bone growth problems in ICU patients with brain or spinal injuries.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Ioannina (other)
Locations1 site (Ioannina, Epirus)
Trial IDNCT05906056 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) in preventing Heterotopic Ossification (HO) in ICU patients with neurological injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, or stroke. The study will involve 10 patients receiving CPM compared to 10 matched patients undergoing conventional physiotherapy. Primary outcomes will include the presence of HO in the hip or knee joint as assessed by CT scans and the degree of range of motion limitation. Additionally, the Glasgow Coma Scale will be measured to assess neurological status before and after the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are ICU patients with stabilized conditions suffering from traumatic brain injury, stroke, or spinal cord injuries.

Not a fit: Patients with life-threatening conditions or those with HO in locations other than the hip or knee joint may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of Heterotopic Ossification in patients recovering from severe neurological injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of CPM has been explored in various contexts, this specific application for preventing HO in neurogenic ICU patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with stabilized medical condition suffering from neurological insult either traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or Spinal Cord Injury.
2. A negative triplex ultrasound in order to rule out deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
3. A positive three-phase bone scan with Tc99. (Will be obtained as soon as HO symptoms are onset.)
4. Patients with verified HO formation on the knee or hip joint will undergo a CT to show the extent of the lesion.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Life-threatening conditions that render Continuous passive motion (CPM) application difficult.
2. HO detected in another location than the hip or knee joint.
3. Concomitantly presence of other fractures that will interfere with the bone alkaline phosphatase (AP) level.
4. Patients not reacting to painful stimuli

Where this trial is running

Ioannina, Epirus

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injuries, Stroke, Ossification, Heterotopic, continuous passive motion, zoledronic acid, range of motion, PROPHYLAXIS

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.