Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 20 to 60

Volar locking plate versus external fixator for distal intra-articular radius fractures

Official title: Comparison of the Outcomes of Volar Locking Plate Versus External Fixator in Distal Intra-articular Radius Fractures.

Run by RESnTEC, Institute of Research · NCT07576075 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This will test whether volar locking plates or external fixators help adults aged 20–60 with recent intra‑articular distal radius fractures recover function sooner.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages20 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorRESnTEC, Institute of Research
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bahawalpur, Punjab Province)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 5, 2025
Main results expectedJune 30, 2026
Study endsJune 30, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT07576075 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 20 to 60 with a unilateral intra‑articular distal radius fracture of less than seven days' duration who do not have open or bilateral fractures and who are not immunosuppressed or medically uncontrolled.

Probably not a fit

People with bilateral or open distal radius fractures, additional related injuries, those on immunosuppressive/chemotherapy/corticosteroid therapy, or those with uncontrolled medical comorbidities (for example uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension) are excluded and likely would not benefit from participation.

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

What this trial studies

Local results on treating distal intra‑articular radius fractures with volar locking plates versus external fixators have been conflicting, so this interventional comparison enrolls eligible patients presenting within seven days of injury. Participants will receive either a volar locking plate or an external fixator as the chosen fixation method and be followed after surgery for early functional recovery, anatomical reduction, and complication rates. Outcomes of interest include range of motion, pain, return to daily activities, and adverse events related to the procedure. The goal is to generate local outcome data that can guide choice of fixation and improve mobilization and quality of life.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If one method shows faster functional recovery and fewer complications, patients could return to daily activities sooner with fewer treatment‑related problems.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have reported mixed results, with some showing earlier functional gains with volar plates and others finding similar outcomes between plates and external fixation, so the approach is established but not conclusively resolved.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any gender
* Aged 20 to 60
* with intra-articular fractures of the distal radius
* The fracture lasted less than seven days

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with bilateral distal radius fractures and any further related injuries or fractures
* Distal radius open fractures
* Individuals receiving immunosuppressive, chemotherapeutic, or corticosteroid medications (based on medical history and records)
* Individuals with underlying medical co-morbidities, such as diabetes and uncontrolled hypertension, (determined by their medical history and record)

Where it's running

  • Bahawal Victoria Hospital
    Bahawalpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Burhan Ulhaq — Bahawal Victoria Hospital/Quid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur
  • Study coordinator: Burhan Ulhaq
  • Email: burhankhan224@gmail.com
  • Phone: +923326456246

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.