CompletedNot Applicable

Surgical Stabilization for Rib Fractures

United States84 participantsStarted 2020-02-23

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to compare the usual care alone to usual care plus early surgical stabilization in adult trauma patients who have been admitted with rib fractures, to evaluate for heterogeneity of treatment effect in high risk subgroups and to determine the the impact of multiple rib fractures on post-discharge health status and time to return to work or usual physical activity.

Who can participate

Age range

16 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: * Blunt trauma mechanism * Severe chest wall injury (defined by one of the 3 below): Radiographic flail segment (defined as greater than 2 fractures in greater than 3 consecutive ribs) or greater than 5 consecutive rib fractures or greater than 1 rib fractures with bicortical displacement * At least one true rib (1-7) fractured and accessible for stabilization Exclusion Criteria: * Severe traumatic brain injury (best resuscitated GCS less than 8 as measured at 24 hours) * Spinal cord injury * Pre-existing congestive heart failure or oxygen-dependent pulmonary disease * Any reason for which SSRF could not occur within 72 hours of admission

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

Hospital Length of Stay

Timeframe: 180 days after admission

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04081233

SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-12-31

Results submitted2023-12-26

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Trauma Chest trials