A Phase 1 interventional study of ADL/Postoperative Instruction and Postoperative Instruction in Distal Radius Fractures, sponsored by George Washington University. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 110 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-13.
Sponsored by George Washington University · Phase 1, Interventional, and Supportive care
This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). This RCT which will study the effect of performing daily activities early after a distal radius fracture being treated with surgical intervention of open reduction and internal fixation. This study will have two groups. The experimental group will watch a video and be given a handout on how to perform daily activities with the hand of the injured wrist while recovering from surgery and postoperative instructions. The control group will watch a video on wound care and be given a handout on postoperative instructions. Outcome measures will be taken at initial evaluation between 1-2 weeks post surgery, at 5-7 weeks post surgery, at 8-10 weeks, and at 12-14 weeks. Outcome measures will include the Michigan Wrist Evaluation, Visual Analog Pain Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 Scale, finger mobility testing, grip and pinch strength, and the 9 hole peg test to test fine motor coordination. Outcome measure scores will be compared between groups using a t-test statistical test. Outcome measure scores will also be tested within groups using a paired t-test.
If the subject is in the control group then the surgeon will play the standard of care (postoperative care) video in the office and review with the subject the postoperative care handout. The handout will be given to the subject to take home which includes a QR code to the video.
The following data collection procedures will occur with the subjects
The surgeon will collect data from all subjects at 1-2 weeks post surgery and data collection will include: age, gender, race, hand dominance, side injured, fracture severity, workers comp status, comorbidities, smoker status, work status, and household assistance. The hand surgeon will also collect data from the subjects on their current level of function, pain, and fear of moving their injured limb.
At 5-7 weeks the surgeon will collect data from all subjects on their current level of function, pain, fear of moving their injured limb. The surgeon will also measure finger motion.
At 8-10 weeks the surgeon will collect data from all subjects on their current level of function, pain, fear of moving their injured limb. The surgeon will also measure finger motion, grip, pinch strength and fine motor coordination.
At 12-14 the surgeon will collect data from all subjects on their current level of function, pain, fear of moving their injured limb. The surgeon will also measure finger motion, grip, pinch strength and fine motor coordination.
All subjects will be followed for 14 weeks. If the patient receives a referral for hand therapy it will be noted in the record. It will also be noted in the record if subject experiences any complication such as median nerve compression, tendonitis, or complex regional pain syndrome.
The outcome measures that will be used with both the control and experimental groups and at each time point that the data will be collected. All outcome measures will be uploaded onto RedCap. Subjects will use a tablet to fill out all questionnaires (Michigan Hand Evaluation, Visual Analog Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11) while in the office or forms will be emailed through RedCap and scores will be uploaded into the RedCap database. All clinical tests (grip and pinch testing, distance from distal palmar crease, 9 hole peg test) will be recorded in RedCap. Demographic information will either be collected on the tablet in RedCap.
English Speaking DRF treated with ORIF Individuals 18 years of age or older 2 weeks or less post ORIF for DRF
Exclusion Criteria:
Individuals with pre-existing neurological coniditons affecting the upper limb Individuals with congnitive deficits that would limit the ability to correctly report information on outcome measures Individuals with psychological deficits which would limit the ability to correctly report information on outcome measures Individuals with multiple injuries to the affected upper limb Individuals with multiple injuries to both upper limbs Prior distal radius fracture involving the same wrist Individuals receiving hand therapy for another injury at enrollment into study
Participants in the experimental group will watch a video instructing them on early ADL participation after DRF fracture treated by ORIF and postoperative care. Participants in the experimental group will also receive a handout on ADL participation and postoperative care with a QR code to the video.
Behavioral: ADL/Postoperative Instruction · Behavioral: Postoperative Instruction
Participants in the control group will watch a video instructing them on postoperative care. Participants in the control group will receive a handout on postoperative care with a QR code to the video.
Behavioral: Postoperative Instruction
This is an education video which includes demonstration of simple ADL tasks that the participant can do at home after surgery. Handout includes the same information and a QR code to watch the video.
This is an education video that only includes the postoperative instructions. Handout includes the same information and a QR code to watch the video.
Michigan Hand Questionnaire
Patient reported outcome measure for function
Time frame: baseline, 5-7 weeks, 8-10 weeks, 12-14 weeks
Visual Analog Scale
patient reported outcome measure for pain intensity
Time frame: baseline, 5-7 weeks, 8-10 weeks, 12-14 weeks
Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia
patient reported outcome measure for fear of movement
Time frame: baseline, 5-7 weeks, 8-10 weeks, 12-14 weeks
Range of Motion of digits
distance from digits to distal palmar crease in cm
Time frame: 5-7 weeks, 8-10 weeks, 12-14 weeks
Grip and Pinch Strength
Jamar grip gauge testing and pinchmeter gauge testing for strength
Time frame: 8-10 weeks, 12-14 weeks
9 hole peg test
fine motor coordination/sensorimotor test
Time frame: 8-10 weeks, 12-14 weeks
Plan to share: No
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