Using serial casting to treat upper extremity burn contractures
Should Serial Casting be a "First-resort" Conservative Treatment for Adults With Upper Extremity Burn Contractures?
This study tests if a special casting treatment can help adults with burn scars on their arms move better and feel more functional compared to regular care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT05425433 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of a tailored serial casting intervention for adults with upper extremity burn contractures. Participants will receive individualized treatment aimed at improving range of motion, scar characteristics, and self-reported upper-extremity function. The study employs a longitudinal case series design to assess changes after switching from usual care to the serial casting program. The goal is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the intervention's impact on recovery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are burn survivors aged 16 and older with significant loss of passive range of motion in their upper extremities due to fire, flame, or scald injuries.
Not a fit: Patients with frostbite, chemical or electrical burns, or pre-existing musculoskeletal or neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve mobility and function in patients with upper extremity burn contractures.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited literature on the use of serial casting for burn contractures, similar conservative interventions have shown promise in managing joint contractures.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Burn survivors with \>15% loss of PROM of their PIP, MCP, wrist, or elbow in either: flexion, extension, ulnar deviation or radial deviation. * Fire, flame or scald burn injury -≥16 years old * have provided informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Frostbite, chemical or electrical burn injury * A premorbid musculoskeletal or neurological disorder that limited their ROM * Have sustained a neurological injury secondary to the burn injury * A psychiatric or cognitive disorder that limits their ability to follow the research protocol * Have been diagnosed with heterotopic ossification * PROM is contraindicated for any reason * Do not understand English or French.
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bernadette Nedelec, PhD — Crchum
- Study coordinator: Zoë Edger-Lacoursière, MSc
- Email: zoe.edger-lacoursiere@mail.mcgill.ca
- Phone: 1 (438) 8681804
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.