Bone Study: Steroids for Distal Radius Fractures

What is the study?

The use of more than one pain treatment to treat different types of pain is referred to as multiomodal pain management. This method is used widely to help patients avoid reliance on opioid medications by reducing pain after surgery. One option for multimodal pain management is the use of steroids  during surgery to reduce pain in addition to the use of prescribed pain medication post-operatively. This research is being done to compare patient recovery in 2 groups:

Group 1: patients will receive steroids during surgery, as well as a post-operative oral steroid pack and standard pain medications.

Group 2: patients will receive only the standard post-operative pain medication.

It is predicted that the use of steroids during surgical repair of distal radius fractures will improve the outcomes for patients as compared to the group that does not receive medication during their surgery.

Are you eligible to participate in this study?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Intra- or extra-articular distal radius fractures (AO 23-A2,3; 23B-1,2,3; 23C-1,2,3) treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)
• Age >18

Exclusion Criteria:

• Open fractures
• Pathologic fractures
• Concomitant ipsilateral upper extremity fracture (not including distal ulna)
• Medical contraindication to systemic glucocorticoids (insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus, history of avascular necrosis, allergy)
• Narcotic dependence
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

What do you need to know?

Participation in research is entirely voluntary. If you think you qualify to be part of this study, ask your doctor about participation.

Contact us if you are eligible and interested in this study

Please contact Lexie Reissaus, Clinical Research Manager at lreissaus@ihtsc.com.

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