Vibration Therapy for Postoperative Pain in Wrist Fractures

Overseen By Sadie N Sial, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northwestern University

Disqualifiers: Oncologic surgery, Simultaneous surgery, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a vibration tool (a device that provides vibration therapy) can reduce pain after wrist surgery for a broken distal radius, a common wrist fracture. Researchers aim to determine if this tool can lower pain levels and decrease the need for pain medication. Participants will either use the vibration tool or receive standard care without it. The trial seeks individuals who have undergone surgical treatment for a wrist fracture and are willing to participate in occupational therapy at Northwestern Medicine's Hand Surgery clinic. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that may enhance post-surgery pain management.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this vibration tool is safe for postoperative pain management?

Research shows that vibration therapy can help with certain health issues, such as easing muscle pain and aiding muscle recovery. Some studies have also found it beneficial for healing wounds and nerve problems. However, concerns exist. Research suggests that prolonged use of vibrating tools might increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, causing pain and numbness in the hand, along with other issues in the hand or forearm.

When considering vibration therapy for wrist fractures, it's important to weigh these benefits and risks. The therapy might alleviate pain, but long-term use could have downsides. Consulting a healthcare provider about these factors is advisable for those considering joining a clinical trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about vibration therapy for postoperative pain in wrist fractures because it offers a non-invasive and drug-free alternative to traditional pain management methods like painkillers or physical therapy. This technique involves using a vibration tool that is applied to the wrist, potentially reducing pain and speeding up recovery by stimulating blood flow and nerve activity. Unlike standard care, which often relies on medication with possible side effects, vibration therapy could provide a safer and more accessible option for pain relief.

What evidence suggests that this vibration tool is effective for postoperative pain in wrist fractures?

Research shows that a vibration tool can help reduce pain after wrist surgery. In this trial, some participants will use the vibration tool, which studies have found may relieve muscle tightness and soreness. By stimulating the muscles, this therapy could also reduce pain and improve movement. Early findings suggest that vibration might even alter pain perception, making it seem less intense. While researchers are still studying this tool for wrist fractures, it has shown promise in managing different types of pain. Other participants in this trial will receive standard care without the vibration tool. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jason H Ko, MD, MBA

Principal Investigator

Associate Professor

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking patients who've had surgery to fix a broken wrist (distal radius fracture) using a specific technique with one plate. They must be willing to have occupational therapy at Northwestern Medicine's Hand Surgery clinic. It's not for those who had additional surgeries like carpal tunnel release or cancer-related procedures, or different types of wrist fixation.

Inclusion Criteria

I had surgery for a wrist fracture using a specific technique and plate.

I am willing to attend therapy at Northwestern Medicine's Hand Surgery clinic.

Patients who can read, write, and follow direction in English

Exclusion Criteria

I am scheduled for or have had cancer surgery.

I need surgery involving plates for my wrist.

I only need a non-surgical procedure for my wrist fracture.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants use a vibration tool 3 times per day for 10 minutes each session to control postoperative pain

8 weeks

Regular visits as per standard postoperative care

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for pain interference, upper extremity function, and opioid use

8 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Vibration tool

Trial Overview The study is testing whether a vibration tool can help manage pain after wrist surgery. Researchers want to see if this tool reduces the need for pain medications during recovery.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Vibration tool Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Use of the vibration tool 3 times per day for 10 minutes for each session Morning, mid-day, and evening. Volarly for 5 minutes and dorsally for 5 minutes, for a total of 10 minutes during each session:

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Standard of care, no vibration tool.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northwestern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,674

Recruited

989,000+

Citations

1. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT05318729/use-of-a-vibration-tool-for-postoperative-pain-control-in-distal-radius-fractures

Use of a Vibration Tool for Postoperative Pain Control in ... The purpose of this research study is to determine if using a vibration tool improves pain control after surgical treatment of distal radius ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9528696/

Vibration Therapy – A Clinical Commentary - PMC Vibration therapy may be indicated for myofascial pain, autogenic muscle inhibition and delayed onset muscle soreness.

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/280329051_Influence_of_illusory_kinesthesia_by_vibratory_tendon_stimulation_on_acute_pain_after_surgery_for_distal_radius_fractures_A_quasi-randomized_controlled_study

(PDF) Influence of illusory kinesthesia by vibratory tendon ... Objectives We investigated the effects of inducing an illusion of motion by tendon vibration on sensory and emotional aspects of pain and range of motion in ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6358444/

Postoperative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures Using ... Patients after surgery for DRF demonstrate significant sensorimotor deficits which may improve faster when utilizing a comprehensive sensorimotor treatment ...

5. aging.networkofcare.org aging.networkofcare.org/sanmateo/CommunityResources/ClinicalTrials/Detail/NCT05318729?keyword=%22Distal%20Radius%20Fracture%22

Use of a Vibration Tool for Postoperative Pain Control in ... This research project will evaluate whether vibration can be a useful adjunct to current postoperative pain modalities. With a multidisciplinary approach, the ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11355075/

Impact of Exposure to Hand-Held Vibrating Tools on ... Objectives: Vibration exposure is a known risk factor for developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and insufficient outcomes for surgery for CTS ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965206X24001931

Vibration therapy for patients with hard-to-heal wounds Vibration therapy appears to be beneficial to enhance ulcer healing and reduce neuropathy in patients with hard-to-heal wounds.

8. bmjopen.bmj.com bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/6/e080777

Risk of hand and forearm conditions due to vibrating ... Vibration exposure by hand-held tools increases the risk of developing CTS and UNE and any common hand and forearm conditions in men.