Clinical Trial: Effects of Upper Extremity Immobilization and Use of a Steering Wheel Spinner Knob Following Distal Radius Fracture

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Effects of Upper Extremity Immobilization and Use of a Steering Wheel Spinner Knob Following Distal Radius Fracture

Brief Summary: The aims of the study are to better understand how upper extremity injury and immobilization influences a patient's steering ability. Patients with acute distal radius fractures treated with surgery will be recruited for study in a driving simulator. The results will hopefully assist physicians to better counsel patients with upper extremity injuries on when it is safe to return to driving.

Detailed Summary:

The ability of an injured person to safely drive an automobile while immobilized in an upper extremity cast or splint is not well defined.

The aims of the study are to better understand how upper extremity injury and immobilization influences a patient's steering ability. The secondary aim is to further evaluate the effectiveness of a steering wheel spinner-knob to assist with one-handed driving. A steering wheel spinner knob may be a surrogate to assist with one handed driving while immobilized.


Sponsor: Greenville Health System

Current Primary Outcome: Steering reaction time [ Time Frame: 6 months ]

Steering reaction time measured using a driving simulator will be compared across three time points (acutely, sub-acutely, and return to function) following surgical treatment of a distal radius fractures. This will be evaluated with and without the use of a steering wheel spinner knob.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Steering accuracy [ Time Frame: 6 months ]

Steering accuracy measured using a driving simulator will be compared across three time points (acutely, sub-acutely, and return to function) following surgical treatment of a distal radius fractures. This will be evaluated with and without the use of a steering wheel spinner knob.


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Greenville Health System

Dates:
Date Received: March 24, 2014
Date Started: April 2014
Date Completion:
Last Updated: February 10, 2016
Last Verified: February 2016