Analgesic Effect of Acupuncture for Patients With Rib Fractures (NCT03822273) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Analgesic Effect of Acupuncture for Patients With Rib Fractures
Taiwan120 participantsStarted 2018-03-01
Plain-language summary
Traumatic rib fractures are common, resulting from significant forces impacting on the chest, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Acute pain management in inpatients with traumatic rib fractures has been highly emphasized by practitioners. Inappropriate analgesia may cause respiratory complications, including pneumonia, atelectasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and prolonged hospital stay. These may be prevented or reduced by good analgesic therapy. This study is aimed to investigate the analgesic effect of acupuncture on traumatic rib fractures.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 100 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
* Chest trauma
* Presence of one or more, unilateral or bilateral rib fractures diagnosed with chest X-ray
* Maximal rib pain score of more than 5 obtained using the numerical rating scale (NRS: 0-10)
* Ability to describe the sites of pain and evaluate the pain intensity accurately
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unable to describe the sites of pain and evaluate the pain intensity accurately
* There are open wounds on the sites of acupuncture points
* Severe multiple trauma or any poorly controlled diseases such as atelectasis, pneumonia, or other infectious diseases, immune system dysfunction, bleeding tendency, psychiatric disorders, and skin problems
* Receive surgical management of rib fractures
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
Efficacy of pain relief
Timeframe: The NRS will be assessed at Day 1, Day 2 and DAY 3 pretreatment and posttreatment in the morning (8:00-10:00) and evening (15:00-17:00), respectively. Primary outcome is the change of NRS score on DAY 1 pretreatment and DAY 3 post treatment.