MedPath

Rebound Pain After Operations for Distal Radius Fractures With a Volar Plate in Brachial Plexus Block

Phase 3
Completed
Conditions
Brachial Plexus Block
Pain, Postoperative
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT03011905
Lead Sponsor
Oslo University Hospital
Brief Summary

Many patients have strong pain at brachial plexus block resolution after operations for distal radius fractures with a volar plate. This study investigates if a single dose of dexamethasone in addition to a standard pain regime have an effect on postoperative pain. The primary endpoint is difference in the highest pain score first 24 hours after surgery. The investigators will also look at pain scores and analgesics consumption first few hours after surgery and at different times up to 2 years after surgery.

Detailed Description

This double-blind randomized clinical study evaluates pain, analgesic consumption and different measurements of patients satisfaction after operations for distal radius fractures with a volar plate in the day-care surgery unit. All patients will receive paracetamol and etoricoxib as oral premedication. Patients will be operated in infraclavicular brachial plexus block with ropivacaine 7,5 mg/ml. Patients in the intervention group will receive a single dose of 16 mg dexamethasone during the operation. Patients in the control group will receive NaCl iv.

After surgery, iv and oral rapid release oxycodone as needed while in hospital. After discharge (after 2-4 hours), etoricoxib for 2 days, controlled release oxycodone, total of 3 doses. Rapid release oxycodone as needed.

Patients will be followed up by telephone interviews at different times after surgery.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
53
Inclusion Criteria
  • Distal radius fracture planned for operation with a volar plate
  • 0-20 days after trauma
  • AO classification A, B, and C
  • ASA 1 and 2
  • Age 18-65
  • BMI 18-35
  • Able to communicate in Norwegian
Exclusion Criteria
  • Chronic pain
  • Other injuries
  • Pregnancy
  • Known allergic reactions to medicines used in the study

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ControlNaCl (Control)Single dose of NaCl, 4 ml, iv during operation.
ControlParacetamolSingle dose of NaCl, 4 ml, iv during operation.
ControlEtoriCoxibSingle dose of NaCl, 4 ml, iv during operation.
DexamethasoneDexamethasoneSingle dose of dexamethasone (Dexagalen) 16 mg iv during operation.
DexamethasoneParacetamolSingle dose of dexamethasone (Dexagalen) 16 mg iv during operation.
DexamethasoneOxycodoneSingle dose of dexamethasone (Dexagalen) 16 mg iv during operation.
DexamethasoneEtoriCoxibSingle dose of dexamethasone (Dexagalen) 16 mg iv during operation.
DexamethasoneRopivacaineSingle dose of dexamethasone (Dexagalen) 16 mg iv during operation.
ControlOxycodoneSingle dose of NaCl, 4 ml, iv during operation.
ControlRopivacaineSingle dose of NaCl, 4 ml, iv during operation.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Differences between groups in highest pain scores first 24 hours after surgery24 hours
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Differences in side effects1 year
Differences between groups in nausea postoperatively assessed with Likert scale30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 72 hours

Likert scale

Differences between groups in vomiting postoperatively assessed with Likert scale30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 72 hours

Likert scale

Differences between groups in itching postoperatively assessed with Likert scale30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 72 hours

Likert scale

Differences in time to first pain score under 4 after block resolution7 days
Differences in pain scores after 6 months and 1 year6 months and 1 year
Differences between groups in sleep quality assessed with Likert scale24 hours

Likert scale

Differences in Patient Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) scores after 6 weeks6 weeks
Differences in pain scores after 30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours
Differences in analgesic consumption1 hours, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 72 hours, 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year
Differences between groups in sedation postoperatively assessed with Likert scale30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 72 hours

Likert scale

Differences in pain scores after 36 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 6 weeks36 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 6 weeks
Differences in block duration20 hours

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Oslo Universitetssykehus, Ullevaal, dept of anaesthesiology, legevakten

🇳🇴

Oslo, Norway

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath