Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Using light-based imaging for open and infected fractures

Official title: Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging to Visualize Bacteria or Biofilm on Hardware, Bone and Soft Tissue in Open Fracture and Infected Fracture

Run by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center · NCT05785182 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new light-based imaging method to see if it can help doctors better diagnose and manage open or infected fractures without using drugs or contrast agents.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorDartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lebanon, New Hampshire)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 27, 2023
Main results expectedJuly 28, 2026
Study endsJune 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 2, 2026
Trial IDNCT05785182 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 years or older who have an open fracture or a fracture-related infection.

Probably not a fit

Patients with metatarsal fractures will not benefit from this study as they are excluded from participation.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot observational study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with open or infected fractures. The study aims to assess how well this light-based imaging technique can be integrated into clinical practice without the need for drugs or contrast agents. By observing patients with these specific fracture types, researchers will gather data on the effectiveness of OCT in diagnosing and managing these injuries.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the diagnostic capabilities for patients with open or infected fractures, leading to better treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While this approach is relatively novel, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Open fracture
* Fracture Related Infection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Metatarsal fractures

Where it's running

  • Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
    Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.