The aims of the study are to better understand how upper extremity injury and immobilization influences a patient's steering ability. Patients with acute distal radius fractures treated with surgery will be recruited for study in a driving simulator. The results will hopefully assist physicians to better counsel patients with upper extremity injuries on when it is safe to return to driving.
The ability of an injured person to safely drive an automobile while immobilized in an upper extremity cast or splint is not well defined. The aims of the study are to better understand how upper extremity injury and immobilization influences a patient's steering ability. The secondary aim is to further evaluate the effectiveness of a steering wheel spinner-knob to assist with one-handed driving. A steering wheel spinner knob may be a surrogate to assist with one handed driving while immobilized.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
24
Greenville Health System
Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Steering reaction time
Steering reaction time measured using a driving simulator will be compared across three time points (acutely, sub-acutely, and return to function) following surgical treatment of a distal radius fractures. This will be evaluated with and without the use of a steering wheel spinner knob.
Time frame: 6 months
Steering accuracy
Steering accuracy measured using a driving simulator will be compared across three time points (acutely, sub-acutely, and return to function) following surgical treatment of a distal radius fractures. This will be evaluated with and without the use of a steering wheel spinner knob.
Time frame: 6 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.