Low-level Laser Therapy in Wrist Fractures
- Conditions
- Colles' Fracture
- Registration Number
- NCT02749929
- Lead Sponsor
- University of Bergen
- Brief Summary
Approximately 15,000 persons in Norway suffer from wrist fractures during a year, making it the most prevalent fracture in this country. Treated conservatively, a cast is used for 4-6 weeks before removal. After discontinuation of the cast, physiotherapy is implemented to aid in improving range of motion and regaining function of the injured wrist. The pain after injury can affect the patient to a greater or lesser extent, and it is common to prescribe sick leave for shorter amounts of time after the injury.
Studies suggest that a physiotherapy intervention with Low Level Laser therapy (LLLT) may reduce pain and swelling after acute trauma, and potentially promote healing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of LLLT on pain and function at 2, 4, 8 and 26 weeks after injury.
- Detailed Description
Patients with wrist fractures are recruited from Bergen Municipal Emergency Ward, where they are randomly divided into two groups with concealed allocation. The fracture is immobilized with a cast, with a small opening where Low Level Laser therapy can be administered in skin contact. The patients will receive treatment 3 times a week, for 3 weeks. After discontinuation of the cast, the patients swelling, pain, grip strength and function of the wrist is measured. The patients will meet for follow-up controls until 26 weeks after injury.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 53
- Patients with distal radiusfraktur, with or without ulna fracture Colles' fracture
- The breach must be closed
- Under 10 degrees dorsal displacement of radius
- Under 5mm shortening of the radius
- Under 3 mm step in the joint
- 18+ years
- People who do not speak Norwegian or English
- If the patient is pregnant
- Patient with Smith fracture
- Wounds over fracture area
- If the patient have a peripheral nerve injury
- If the patient had (previously) operated wrist
- Persons with verified osteoporosis at the time of injury, systemic inflammatory disease (rheumatism), mental illness, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer or congenital malformations in wrist
- If the laser treatment can not be started within 3 days after fracture
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Function and pain 26 weeks Function and will be assessed using Patient Rating Wrist and Hand Evaluation a (PRWHE), and questions about night pain/pain killers
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Pain by pressure 26 weeks Pain Pressure Threshold over distal radius will be assessed using Pressure Algometry
Swelling 26 weeks Swelling will be assessed using measurement tape
Active range of motion 26 weeks Active range of motion will be assessed using goniometer
Grip- and pinch Strength 26 weeks Strength will be assessed using handheld dynamometer
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Bergen Accident Emergency Hospital
🇳🇴Bergen, Norway
Bergen Accident Emergency Hospital🇳🇴Bergen, Norway