Using mechanical devices to manage pain and swelling after wrist surgery
Official title: 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
Run by Al Hayah University In Cairo · NCT06913920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Al Hayah University In Cairo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 6, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06913920 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing surgical treatment for a stable distal radius fracture.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running
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Faculty of Physical Therapy, Al Hayah University
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
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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.