Metacarpal Fractures Clinical Trial
Official title:
Comparing Short-term Function and Pain After No Treatment or Splinting for Boxer's Fracture
This Study is being done because the investigators would like to know if pain and hand function after having a boxer's fracture differs between being treated with supportive splinting or without splinting, but with behavioral modifications.
After initial treatment in the emergency department, patients with boxer's features are
referred to the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Sunnybrook hospital.
During initial consultation with the hand surgeon, treatment is chosen. Patients are
follow-up with their hand surgeon at 4-, 8-, and 12--week intervals.
Supportive splinting: Patient's are given a removable plaster/fiberglass splint with a
tensor bandage underneath.
Behavioral Modifications: Patients are not splinted, but provided a tensor bandage. Patients
are instructed on specific behaviours to prevent movement of the injured part of the hand.
The purpose of the study is to compare pain and short-term hand function in patients who
undergo supportive splinting compared to patients who undergo behavioral modifications
treatment only to see which option is associated with shorter functional recovery and which
option is associated with less pain during the first 4 weeks after initial treatment.
On follow-up appointments at 4, 8,and 12 weeks, as well as initial consultation with the
hand surgeon, participants will be asked to perform a grip strength test with a Jamal
Hydraulic hand Dynanometer. Participants will be asked to fill out a Brief Michigan Hand
Questionnaire along with the grip strength test as well as quick demographics survey at
initial consultation with the hand surgeon. After the 12-week follow up appointment, study
participation will end.
If a patient is unable to follow-up with the hand surgeon, the Brief Michigan Hand
Questionnaire will be done via phone whenever is most convenient for the patient. It's
anticipated that about 40 people will participate in this study at a single centre in
Toronto.
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Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment