Low-level Laser Therapy in Distal Radius Fractures

University of Bergen50 enrolled

Overview

Conservative treatment of distal radius fracture is immobilisation with cast for 4-6 weeks. After removing the cast, it is common to still have pain, swelling and reduced mobility in the wrist. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of LLLT on the hand.

Patient with distal radius fractures are after removal of the cast are recruited form Bergen Emergency Department, where the are randomly divided into two groups with concealed allocation. Patient will be treated 3 times a week, for 3 week. After removal of the cast, the patients pain threshold, swelling, AROM, strength and function is measured. The patients will meet for following-up controls until 26 weeks after injury. Changes in outcome measures during the study: Due to covid 19 virus restrictions, we had to abandon the objective physical measurements as planned. Primary outcome measures were retrieved allowing no physical contact with the participants (Ipad, telephone or e-mail).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Colles' Fracture

Interventions

Low-Level Laser TherapyOTHER

The laser is an infrared (invisible) 60 mW 904 nm, made by Irradia Midlaser

Placebo Low Level Laser therapyOTHER

This i laser is not giving any irradiation, but is identical to the infrared (invisible) 60 mW 904 nm Irradia Midlaser, made by Irradia.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with distal radius fracture, with or without ulna fracture (Colles' fracture * The breach must be closed * after reduction: 0 degrees dorsal displacement of radius * Under 5 degrees shortening of the radius * Under 3 mm step in the joint * 18+ years Exclusion Criteria: * People who do not speak Norwegian or English * If the patient is pregnant * Patient with Smith fracture * Wounds over fracture area * If the patient hav a peripheral neve injury * If the patient had (previously) operated the wrist * Persons with verified osteoporosis at the time of injury, systemic inflammatory disease (rheumatism), mental illness, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer or congenital malformations in wrist * If the laser treatment can not be started within 3 days after removal of the cast

Locations (1)

Bergen Accident Emergency Hospital

Bergen, Norway

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Function and pain

Function will be assessed using Patient Rating Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE), and questions about night pain/pain killers

Time frame: 26 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Pain assessed using Pressure Algometer

Pressure Algometer

Time frame: 26 weeks

Swelling will be assessed using measurement tape

Time frame: 26 weeks

Active range of motion will be assessed using goniometer

Time frame: 26 weeks

Strength will be assessed using dynamometer

Time frame: 26 weeks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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