CompletedNot Applicable

Cold Spray for Pain and Ecchymosis After Anticoagulant Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery

Turkey (Türkiye)101 participantsStarted 2024-02-01

Plain-language summary

Heparin is a widely used anticoagulant for thrombosis prevention, and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has become the preferred option due to its higher bioavailability, strong antithrombotic effect, and lower risk of complications. However, subcutaneous LMWH injections-commonly administered in the abdomen, arm, or thigh-often cause local side effects such as pain, ecchymosis, and hematoma. The incidence of ecchymosis after injection ranges between 26-89%, and various factors such as injection site, needle size, injection duration, and techniques can influence these outcomes. Cold application is frequently used to reduce injection-related pain and bruising by inducing vasoconstriction, decreasing nerve conduction, and increasing pain tolerance. In orthopedic surgery patients, limited injection sites due to dressings, casts, or splints may increase the risk of repeated bruising and pain. Although cold compresses have been studied in reducing injection-related complications, no research has evaluated the effect of cold spray prior to LMWH administration in this patient group. Therefore, standardized studies are needed to determine whether cold spray is an effective, practical alternative for reducing pain and ecchymosis following LMWH prophylaxis after orthopedic surgery.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 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 are: * 18 years of age or older * Receiving 1 x 0.4 ml anticoagulant therapy * Are on the first day of LMWH therapy * Have no infection, scar tissue, lipodystrophy, or incision at the injection site * Have not received any other parenteral therapy at the injection site * Are not allergic to cold or heparin * Volunteer to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Patients were excluded from the study if they were: • Pregnant, • Had any acute or chronic coagulation disorder or hematological disease, * Had a subcutaneous injection into the same area 24 hours prior, * Wanted to withdraw from the study.

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 Intensity

Timeframe: Immediately after each LMWH injection.

Ecchymosis Area

Timeframe: 48 and 72 hours after injection.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07195955

SponsorKocaeli University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-02-03

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