Volar locking plate versus external fixator for distal intra-articular radius fractures
Comparison of the Outcomes of Volar Locking Plate Versus External Fixator in Distal Intra-articular Radius Fractures.
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RESnTEC, Institute of Research Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bahawalpur, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07576075 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Bahawalpur, Punjab Province
- 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
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.