NCT00888550

Splinting Versus Not Splinting of the Distal Lower Extremity After Intramedullary Nailing for Tibial Fractures

A Randomized Trial of Post-Operative Outcomes: Splinting Versus Not Splinting of the Distal Lower Extremity After Intramedullary Nailing for Tibial Fractures

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Denver Health and Hospital Authority · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Two standards of care exist with regards to posterior splinting post-operatively. The proponents of splinting feel the additional immobilization decreases the stress on the soft tissue, subsequently preventing or limiting pain while improving early range of motion (ROM). The opposing belief is that the splinting is without therapeutic benefit and that early mobilization is beneficial. With regards to both practices, the surgeon's practice is anecdotally based on past experience. The purpose of this study is to compare the results obtained with and without posterior splinting after intramedullary (IM) nailing for tibia fractures in order to provide evidence based reasoning to guide future practice.

Conditions

• Tibia Fracture

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Post-Op Splinting	Splint will applied post-operatively and will remain on for two weeks
PROCEDURE	No Splinting	Patient will be discharged post-operatively without a splint on their lower leg.

Timeline

• Start date: 2007-08-01
• Primary completion: 2009-12-01
• Completion: 2009-12-01
• First posted: 2009-04-27
• Last updated: 2010-09-29

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States