Using mechanical devices to manage pain and swelling after wrist surgery

A Two-Arm, Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mechanical Modalities Combined With Standard Therapy Versus Standard Therapy Alone for Edema and Pain Management After Distal Radius Fracture Fixation

This study is testing whether using special machines to help with pain and swelling can improve recovery for people who have had wrist surgery for a broken bone.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Al Hayah University In Cairo (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo)
• Trial ID: NCT06913920 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of mechanical modalities, specifically continuous passive motion (CPM) and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), in addition to standard care for patients recovering from distal radius fracture (DRF) fixation. The study aims to measure outcomes such as edema volume and pain intensity at six weeks post-operation, along with secondary outcomes like range of motion and grip strength. Participants will be monitored for adverse events throughout the study period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing surgical treatment for a stable distal radius fracture.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable fixation, severe pre-existing conditions affecting upper limb function, or contraindications to mechanical modalities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and reduce swelling for patients recovering from wrist surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of mechanical modalities in rehabilitation is common, this specific combination for DRF fixation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Adults aged 18 years or older. Undergoing surgical treatment for distal radius fracture with stable internal fixation.

Able to initiate formal rehabilitation approximately 2 weeks postoperatively. Willing and able to attend in-clinic therapy sessions at the outpatient hand therapy center.

Exclusion Criteria:

Unstable fixation or need for further surgical intervention. Pre-existing conditions that would significantly affect upper limb function (e.g., severe arthritis, neurological disorders).

History of skin conditions or allergies that contraindicate the use of mechanical devices.

Any contraindication to mechanical modalities (for example, severe peripheral vascular disease).

Inability to comply with study procedures or follow-up visits. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

• Faculty of Physical Therapy, Al Hayah University — Cairo, Egypt (RECRUITING)

Conditions: Distal Radius Fractures