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

100 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this research study is to determine if using a vibration tool improves pain control after surgical treatment of distal radius fracture. Additionally, the investigators would like to determine if this tool has any impact on consumption of pain medications postoperatively.

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Vibration tool for postoperative pain in wrist fractures?

Research indicates that vibration applied to areas away from the pain site can temporarily reduce pain, suggesting that vibration therapy might help manage postoperative pain in wrist fractures. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is vibration therapy generally safe for humans?

Research on vibration therapy, including studies on dental pain and experimental pain thresholds, suggests it can be safe for humans. However, some individuals may experience increased pain at certain points, and the effects can vary depending on where the vibration is applied. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

How does vibration therapy for postoperative pain in wrist fractures differ from other treatments?

Vibration therapy is unique because it uses mechanical vibrations to reduce pain, which can create an illusion of movement and provide temporary pain relief. Unlike traditional pain medications, this therapy is non-invasive and does not involve drugs, making it a novel approach for managing postoperative pain in wrist fractures. ^{1 2 3 6 9}

Research Team

Jason H Ko, MD, MBA

Principal Investigator

Associate Professor

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of illusory kinesthesia by vibratory tendon stimulation on acute pain after surgery for distal radius fractures: a quasi-randomized controlled study. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Influence of Self-Reported Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure on Functional Outcomes Following Carpal Tunnel Release. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of two sites of high frequency vibration on cutaneous pain threshold. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of adjunctive Swedish massage and vibration therapy on short-term postoperative outcomes: a randomized, controlled trial. [2015]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Overall Effects and Moderators of Rehabilitation in Patients With Wrist Fracture: A Systematic Review. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Vibratory stimulation for the relief of pain of dental origin. [2021]

7. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical assessment of musculoskeletal disorders in workers exposed to hand-arm vibration. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of high-frequency vibration on experimental pain threshold in young women when applied to areas of different size. [2019]

9. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of continuous or intermittent low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on fracture healing in sheep. [2019]