Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Surgical Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fractures. Randomized… (NCT01719887) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Surgical Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fractures. Randomized Controlled Trial
Finland82 participantsStarted 2012-11-04
Plain-language summary
Humeral shaft fractures represent 1-3% of all fractures and 20% of the humeral fractures. These fractures have historically been treated mainly conservatively with good results. Recent development in fracture treatment and findings that certain fracture types are more prone to non-union and bracing-related functional problems of adjacent joints are somewhat common have caused increasing interest in treating these fractures surgically. Return to activities is also considered to be quicker among surgically treated patients.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Patients with an unilateral humeral shaft fracture who are willing to participate in the study after informed consent are randomly assigned to two different treatment methods:
1. Surgical treatment with an open reduction and internal fixation with a 4,5mm locking plate.
2. Conservative treatment with functional bracing
The randomization is done using blocked randomization (block sizes are not known by the enrolling or assigning physician) and stratification is done according to fracture type (AO-OTA type A vs. type B/C) and radial nerve status (total/subtotal motor palsy vs. no palsy).
Standard follow-up visits at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months are arranged. Later follow-up visits are arranged at 2, 5 and 10 years for the study purpose. Patients fill evaluation forms and clinical and radiological assessments are made. The physiotherapist doing objective functional measurements is blinded to treatment method. Both study groups receive physiotherapy after the initial treatment.
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:
* Over 18 years old patient who agrees to the consent to participation in this study
* Unilateral dislocated humeral shaft fracture (dislocation over thickness of the bone cortex, fracture below the level of insertion of pectoralis major muscle and 5 cm above the olecranon fossa)
* Randomization can be done within 10 days and operation within 14 days after the initial trauma
* Patient is willing to participate all follow-up visits
Exclusion Criteria:
* Bilateral humeral shaft fracture
* A significant concomitant trauma of the same upper extremity that warrants operative treatment (fracture, tendon injury, soft tissue trauma)
* Other fracture or abdominal/thoracal trauma that warrants operative treatment
* Open fracture
* Pathological fracture
* Multi-trauma patient
* Vascular injury
* Plexus injury
* Previous trauma in the same upper extremity that causes functional deficit
* Trauma or condition that warrants use of walking aid (crutches, wheelchair etc)
* Disease that affects significantly general condition of the patient
* Significantly impaired ability to co-operate for any reason (substance abuse, mental disorder, dementia)
* Unwilling to accept both treatment methods
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
1
The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH)