Application of a Unique Vibration Modality for Postoperative Pain Control in Patients With Distal Radius Fractures to Reduce Postoperative Pain and Opioid Use
Northwestern University
Summary
The purpose of this research study is to determine if using a vibration tool improves pain control after surgical treatment of distal radius fracture. Additionally, the investigators would like to determine if this tool has any impact on consumption of pain medications postoperatively.
Description
Traditionally, occupational therapists have utilized vibration for sensory re-education in compression neuropathies and peripheral nerve injuries. Vibration is also commonly used for desensitization of hypersensitivity following amputation, crush injury, and for hypersensitive scarring. Since the vibration tool is readily available in the hand therapy clinic, vibration analgesia should be further explored in the hand clinic to help reduce pain. Vibration is a simple, and non-invasive, tool and would be easy, economical, and practical to implement into the hand clinic for postoperative pain con…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with a distal radius fracture who have undergone an open reduction and internal fixation using a volar FCR approach with a single volar plate * Patients who can read, write, and follow direction in English * Willing to undergo occupational therapy at Northwestern Medicine's Hand Surgery clinic Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing oncologic surgery * Patients who undergo simultaneous surgery such as open carpal tunnel * Patients who only require closed reduction of distal radius fractures * Operative patients that require dorsal plate fixation or separate…
Interventions
- DeviceVibration tool
Therapeutic mini massager for scar management, desensitization, muscle stimulation, oral stimulation and sensory re-education. Seek pain relief for sore achy muscles, tendons or bones.
Location
- Northwestern MedicineChicago, Illinois