Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Impact of Time Interval Between Trauma and Operation on Clinical Outcome in Patients With Delayed Rib Fixation (Nonunion)

Switzerland41 participantsStarted 2025-01-13

Plain-language summary

The goal of this monocentric observational study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent a delayed surgical stabilization of rib fractures/surgical stabilization of rib fracture nonunion (SSRFN) based on the timing of surgery after trauma.

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: * Patients who signed the study specific consent form * Patients aged ≥18 years at the time of informed consent * Patients who provided written informed consent in accordance with ICH-GCP regulations prior to participating any protocol-specific follow-up * Patients with at least one rib fracture caused by trauma (traffic accident, falls), surgery (cardiac, thoracic, lung transplantation), sports, cough, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who were treated conservatively * Patients who underwent rib fixation till 3 weeks after trauma * Patients who underwent SSRF prior to SSRFN * Patients who are unable to follow the procedures of the study, e. g. have insufficient knowledge of German or French languages, psychological disorders, dementia etc. * Patients with a pathological rib fracture(s) due to malignancy or radiation * Participation in any interventional study in our department that might influence any of the outcome parameters * Patients who underwent an initial surgery of rib fracture prior to development of a rib fracture nonunion

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

Pain status at Follow-up (FU)

Timeframe: After surgery at follow-up visit (1-8 weeks after recruitment)

Recommendation of the surgery to another person in a situation like the own

Timeframe: After surgery at follow-up visit (1-8 weeks after recruitment)

Pain status at FU compared to before surgery

Timeframe: After surgery at follow-up visit (1-8 weeks after recruitment)

Painkiller Use (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids)

Timeframe: After surgery at follow-up visit (1-8 weeks after recruitment)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06788067

SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-08-04

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Rib Fractures trials

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.