Pilot Study of Prednisone for Early Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome After Wrist Surgery for Distal Radius Fracture

What this Trial Is About

Wrist fractures, specifically distal radius fractures, are common in adults and can lead to a complication called complex regional pain syndrome CRPS, which may cause permanent disability and increased healthcare costs. This research aims to study prednisone, an anti-inflammatory medication, to see if it can help treat early signs of CRPS after wrist fracture surgery. The study is a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess feasibility and gather initial data on prednisones effects compared to placebo. Participants who have surgery for a distal radius fracture will be randomly assigned to receive either prednisone or a placebo tablet once daily for 14 days starting on the day of surgery. The prednisone dose is 40 mg per day. The trial will follow patients for six months, with four study visits aligned with standard post-operative check-ups. The study will monitor patients for CRPS resolution, opioid use, and any side effects during this period. During the study, participants will undergo clinical assessments including pain scoring and evaluation for CRPS symptoms using established criteria. Researchers will track adherence to the assigned treatment, withdrawal rates, and completeness of follow-up. They will also measure opioid consumption and adverse events at multiple time points up to six months. The main focus is to evaluate the study process itself, as well as gather early evidence on prednisones potential benefits and safety in this setting.

Prednisone for CRPS in Distal Radius Fracture