CompletedPhase 4

Evaluation of Surgical Treatment on Pain and Disability for Chronic, Non-healing Rib Fracture

United States34 participantsStarted 2008-10

Plain-language summary

Individuals with non-healing rib fractures may experience significant pain and disability. This is called rib fracture non-union, an unusual problem and one that most physicians have little experience with. The investigators hypothesize that surgical repair of rib fracture non-union is clinically efficacious and safe in 6 month follow-up. The objective of this study is to evaluate how repairing non-healing rib fractures affects pain and disability.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Subjects must be at least 18 years of age
. Subjects must have rib fracture non-union (3 months or greater since injury), confirmed with Chest CT or MRI
. The subject will have signed an IRB approved written informed consent and HIPAA authorization to participate in the study
. Subjects will be able to participate in interviews with study staff and complete study surveys reliably

Exclusion criteria

. Subjects who are enrolled in another investigational treatment trial
. Subjects who have received an investigational drug or device within 30 days of enrollment

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Evaluation of employment or disability status

Timeframe: At study entry (day 1) and 2 month intervals for up to 12 months.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00774618

SponsorOregon Health and Science University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2011-08

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Rib Fracture trials