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Effect of NSAID Use on Pain and Opioid Consumption Following Distal Radius Fracture

Effect of NSAID Use on Pain and Opioid Consumption Following Distal Radius Fracture: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Status
Terminated
Phases
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03749616
Acronym
Adult NSAID
Enrollment
32
Registered
2018-11-21
Start date
2019-01-02
Completion date
2022-03-24
Last updated
2024-09-05

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Distal Radius Fracture

Brief summary

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are excellent medications for providing pain control in certain patients. There is some data to suggest that NSAIDs can be used to reduce postoperative pain and narcotic use in patients who had undergone carpal tunnel release. There are mixed results about the effect of bone healing in adult patients with broken bones. The investigators hypothesize that NSAID administration in the acute phase of distal radius fracture healing will be non-inferior for pain control and decrease the use of opioid analgesics compared to patients who take acetaminophen for pain control during this same time period. Furthermore, the investigators hypothesize that patients will have similar or better patient reported outcomes, range of motion, and strength with the administration of NSAIDs.

Detailed description

In the United States, drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase, quadrupling since 1999; six out of ten drug overdose deaths involve an opioid. Overdoses from prescription opioids are a driving factor in the 15-year increase in opioid overdose deaths. The amount of prescription opioids sold to pharmacies, hospitals, and doctors' offices has drastically risen, yet there had not been an overall change in the amount of pain that Americans reported. Deaths from prescription opioids-drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone-have more than quadrupled since 1999. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to control both postoperative pain and pain associated with some orthopaedic injuries in children and adults with certain orthopaedic injuries. Further, the use of NSAIDs for pain control has been shown to lessen the use of narcotic pain medications, the adverse effects of which are well known. With the current opioid epidemic, more research is needed to determine strategies to reduce opioid use in patients with orthopaedic injuries. Chapman et al. showed that NSAIDs can be used effectively to reduce postoperative pain and narcotic use in patients who had undergone carpal tunnel release. Although distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures, no studies have examined the effect of NSAIDs on distal radius fracture pain. The purpose of this study is to compare pain and narcotic pain medication use in patients who have had distal radius fractures in patients who use NSAIDs to those who do not. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no clinical prospective, randomized studies to evaluate the effect that NSAIDs have on patients with distal radius fractures. The investigators hypothesize that NSAID administration in the acute phase of distal radius fracture healing will be non-inferior for pain control and decrease the use of opioid analgesics compared to patients who take acetaminophen for pain control during this same time period.

Interventions

DRUGIbuprofen

NSAID Group - will be administered ibuprofen 400-800 mg, up to three times a day as needed for pain control

DRUGAcetaminophen

Control Group - will be administered acetaminophen for pain control with dose and frequency of 325mg 1-2 tablets q4-6h hours as needed, Maximum dose 1000mg. Maximum amount per day: 3g/day.

Sponsors

University of Missouri-Columbia
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age ≥ 18 * Distal radius fracture

Exclusion criteria

* Contraindication to NSAID use (ie, cannot tolerate, gastritis, ulcers, chronic kidney disease stage 4 or higher, bleeding disorders/thrombocytopenia) * Inability to take breakthrough medications * Regular use of NSAIDs * Regular use of Narcotics * Open fracture * Other orthopaedic injuries (polytrauma) * Pathologic fracture * Previous injury to the bone * Pregnant or plan to become pregnant * Unable to sign informed consent

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of Oxycodone Tablets Used for Breakthrough Pain.2 weeksThe number and dosing of oxycodone tablets taken per participant for breakthrough pain will be recorded.
Intensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)2 Week, 6 Week, 3 Month, 6 Month and 1 Year Post SurgeryThe patient will be asked to report their pain on a scale of 0 - 10 using the Visual Analog Scale with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain the patient can imagine.
Fractures Fully Healed6 weeks post surgeryRadiographic evidence of boney healing of the distal radius. This outcome measure is reported as the number of participants in each group with fully healed fractures at the designated time point.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Key Pinch Strength2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months post surgeryKey pinch strength, also known as lateral pinch strength, measures the force exerted by the hand and fingers when pinching an object between the thumb and the radial side of the index finger. Normal ranges typically fall between 10 to 20 pounds of force (4.54 to 9.07 kgs).
QuickDASH2 Week, 6 Week, 3 Month, 6 Month and 1 Year Post SurgeryThe QuickDASH is a subset of 11 items from the 30-item DASH and is a self-reported questionnaire in which the response options are presented as 5-point Likert scales. At least 10 of the 11 items must be completed for a score to be calculated and the scores range from 0 (no disability) to 100 (most severe disability). This score was designed be useful in patients with any musculoskeletal disorder of the upper limb.
Wrist Range of Motion (ROM)2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months post surgeryWrist ROM refers to the ability of the wrist to move in different directions. Normal wrist extension ranges from 70°- 90° resulting in a normal flexion-extension arc of 140-180°. The minimum wrist motion required for daily activities is 60° of extension, 54° of flexion, or approximately a 100° flexion-extension arc. ROM can be varied based on factors such as age, sex, and individual anatomy.
Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)2 Weeks, 6 Weeks, 3 Months, 6 Months and 1 Year post surgeryThe PROMIS UE is scored using a T-score metric, where the mean of the general population is set to 50 with a standard deviation of 10. The minimum score on the PROMIS UE is 0, indicating the lowest level of upper extremity function, while the maximum score is 100, indicating the highest level of upper extremity function. Higher scores represent better upper extremity function.
Grip Strength2 Week, 6 Week and 3 Month Post SurgeryGrip strength refers to the force exerted by your hand muscles when you hold or squeeze something measured in kilograms. It's an essential measure of hand function and overall health. To assess grip strength, you can use a dynamometer-a device that measures the force applied during a handgrip. The test involves squeezing the dynamometer as hard as possible, typically with the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. Grip strength varies based on factors such as age, sex and hand dominance.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen will be given to participants for pain control following their injury. Acetaminophen: Control Group - will be administered acetaminophen for pain control with dose and frequency of 325mg 1-2 tablets q4-6h hours as needed, Maximum dose 1000mg. Maximum amount per day: 3g/day.
14
NSAID
Ibuprofen will be given to participants for pain control following their injury. Ibuprofen: NSAID Group - will be administered ibuprofen 400-800 mg, up to three times a day as needed for pain control
18
Total32

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up47
Overall StudyScreen Failure11
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject20

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicAcetaminophenNSAIDTotal
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
4 Participants3 Participants7 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
9 Participants14 Participants23 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
13 Participants17 Participants30 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
11 Participants10 Participants21 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
3 Participants8 Participants11 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 140 / 18
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 140 / 18
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 140 / 18

Outcome results

Primary

Fractures Fully Healed

Radiographic evidence of boney healing of the distal radius. This outcome measure is reported as the number of participants in each group with fully healed fractures at the designated time point.

Time frame: 6 weeks post surgery

Population: Due to attrition, the number analyzed at each time point is the number of participants who followed up with the research team

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
AcetaminophenFractures Fully Healed9 Participants
NSAIDFractures Fully Healed9 Participants
Primary

Intensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

The patient will be asked to report their pain on a scale of 0 - 10 using the Visual Analog Scale with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain the patient can imagine.

Time frame: 2 Week, 6 Week, 3 Month, 6 Month and 1 Year Post Surgery

Population: Due to attrition, the number analyzed at each time point is the number of participants who followed up with the research team. A total of 14 participants in the Acetaminophen group, and a total of 18 participants in the NSAID group were analyzed through the various timepoints. Information was captured via a automated Electronic Data Capture program, which resulted in inconsistent follow-up at each timepoint.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
AcetaminophenIntensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)6 weeks postop1.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1
AcetaminophenIntensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)6 months postop0.88 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.61
AcetaminophenIntensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)3 months postop0.75 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.75
AcetaminophenIntensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)1 year postop1.11 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.83
AcetaminophenIntensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)2 weeks postop2.46 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.07
NSAIDIntensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)1 year postop1.66 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.91
NSAIDIntensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)2 weeks postop2.05 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.82
NSAIDIntensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)6 weeks postop1.25 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.75
NSAIDIntensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)3 months postop1.88 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.08
NSAIDIntensity of Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)6 months postop2.55 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.12
Primary

Number of Oxycodone Tablets Used for Breakthrough Pain.

The number and dosing of oxycodone tablets taken per participant for breakthrough pain will be recorded.

Time frame: 2 weeks

Population: Data were not collected due to 1.) incomplete medication diaries; and 2.) medication diaries not returned by participants.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
AcetaminophenNumber of Oxycodone Tablets Used for Breakthrough Pain.16.71 oxycodone tabletsStandard Deviation 12.01
NSAIDNumber of Oxycodone Tablets Used for Breakthrough Pain.9.92 oxycodone tabletsStandard Deviation 11.98
Secondary

Grip Strength

Grip strength refers to the force exerted by your hand muscles when you hold or squeeze something measured in kilograms. It's an essential measure of hand function and overall health. To assess grip strength, you can use a dynamometer-a device that measures the force applied during a handgrip. The test involves squeezing the dynamometer as hard as possible, typically with the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. Grip strength varies based on factors such as age, sex and hand dominance.

Time frame: 2 Week, 6 Week and 3 Month Post Surgery

Population: Due to attrition, the number analyzed at each time point is the number of participants who followed up with the research team. Grip Strength testing was not completed by all participants. Therefore, the number of participants who completed grip strength testing and were analyzed is listed as at these time points.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
AcetaminophenGrip Strength6 week postop12.6 kilogramsStandard Deviation 13.26
AcetaminophenGrip Strength3 month postop9.6 kilogramsStandard Deviation 5.73
NSAIDGrip Strength2 week postop10.67 kilogramsStandard Deviation 9.54
NSAIDGrip Strength3 month postop11.0 kilogramsStandard Deviation 8.25
NSAIDGrip Strength6 week postop9.86 kilogramsStandard Deviation 8.49
Secondary

Key Pinch Strength

Key pinch strength, also known as lateral pinch strength, measures the force exerted by the hand and fingers when pinching an object between the thumb and the radial side of the index finger. Normal ranges typically fall between 10 to 20 pounds of force (4.54 to 9.07 kgs).

Time frame: 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months post surgery

Population: Due to attrition, the number analyzed at each time point is the number of participants who followed up with the research team

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
AcetaminophenKey Pinch Strength6 week postop4.74 kilogramsStandard Deviation 3.22
AcetaminophenKey Pinch Strength3 month postop4.44 kilogramsStandard Deviation 2.18
AcetaminophenKey Pinch Strength2 week postop4.5 kilogramsStandard Deviation 3.11
NSAIDKey Pinch Strength6 week postop5.56 kilogramsStandard Deviation 3.41
NSAIDKey Pinch Strength3 month postop4.58 kilogramsStandard Deviation 1.68
NSAIDKey Pinch Strength2 week postop3.25 kilogramsStandard Deviation 1.85
Secondary

Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)

The PROMIS UE is scored using a T-score metric, where the mean of the general population is set to 50 with a standard deviation of 10. The minimum score on the PROMIS UE is 0, indicating the lowest level of upper extremity function, while the maximum score is 100, indicating the highest level of upper extremity function. Higher scores represent better upper extremity function.

Time frame: 2 Weeks, 6 Weeks, 3 Months, 6 Months and 1 Year post surgery

Population: Due to attrition, the number analyzed at each time point is the number of participants who followed up with the research team. At the 1-year postoperative mark, although 9 participants in each group followed up, the questionnaires were not completed by all participants. Therefore, the number of participants who completed the questionnaires and analyzed is listed as at this time point.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
AcetaminophenPatient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)6 week post34.86 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.12
AcetaminophenPatient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)3 month postop41.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.57
AcetaminophenPatient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)6 month postop42.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0
AcetaminophenPatient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)2 week postop21.37 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.2
NSAIDPatient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)2 week postop31.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.44
NSAIDPatient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)6 month postop51.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.91
NSAIDPatient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)6 week post40.81 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.9
NSAIDPatient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)1 year postop58.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0
NSAIDPatient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) - UE (Upper Extremity)3 month postop47.35 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.18
Secondary

QuickDASH

The QuickDASH is a subset of 11 items from the 30-item DASH and is a self-reported questionnaire in which the response options are presented as 5-point Likert scales. At least 10 of the 11 items must be completed for a score to be calculated and the scores range from 0 (no disability) to 100 (most severe disability). This score was designed be useful in patients with any musculoskeletal disorder of the upper limb.

Time frame: 2 Week, 6 Week, 3 Month, 6 Month and 1 Year Post Surgery

Population: Due to attrition, the number analyzed at each time point is the number of participants who followed up with the research team. At the 1-year postoperative mark, although 9 participants in each group followed up, the questionnaires were not completed. Therefore, the number analyzed is listed as '0' for both groups at this time point

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
AcetaminophenQuickDASH2 week postop34.54 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.74
AcetaminophenQuickDASH6 week postop42.61 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.92
AcetaminophenQuickDASH6 month postop43.18 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0
AcetaminophenQuickDASH3 month postop47.16 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.18
NSAIDQuickDASH3 month postop48.10 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.64
NSAIDQuickDASH2 week postop43.18 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.76
NSAIDQuickDASH6 month postop48.86 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.82
NSAIDQuickDASH6 week postop47.22 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.3
Secondary

Wrist Range of Motion (ROM)

Wrist ROM refers to the ability of the wrist to move in different directions. Normal wrist extension ranges from 70°- 90° resulting in a normal flexion-extension arc of 140-180°. The minimum wrist motion required for daily activities is 60° of extension, 54° of flexion, or approximately a 100° flexion-extension arc. ROM can be varied based on factors such as age, sex, and individual anatomy.

Time frame: 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months post surgery

Population: Due to attrition, the number analyzed at each time point is the number of participants who followed up with the research team

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
AcetaminophenWrist Range of Motion (ROM)2 weeks postop67.5 degreesStandard Deviation 38.89
AcetaminophenWrist Range of Motion (ROM)6 weeks postop89.38 degreesStandard Deviation 57.53
AcetaminophenWrist Range of Motion (ROM)3 months postop76.86 degreesStandard Deviation 43.83
NSAIDWrist Range of Motion (ROM)2 weeks postop67.6 degreesStandard Deviation 38.1
NSAIDWrist Range of Motion (ROM)6 weeks postop78.89 degreesStandard Deviation 43.12
NSAIDWrist Range of Motion (ROM)3 months postop143.75 degreesStandard Deviation 29.26

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026