Evaluating the Effectiveness of Remote Monitoring for Post-Operative Management of Distal Radius Fractures

University of Missouri (MU)

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Distal Radius Fracture Fixation; Distal Radius Fracture

Treatments: Behavioral: Standard In-Person Follow-Up; Behavioral: Remote Monitoring Follow-Up

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07219979

2127568

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial evaluates whether remote monitoring can provide a safe and effective alternative to traditional in-person follow-up after surgical fixation of distal radius fractures. The study compares functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and complication rates between patients who receive virtual follow-up care and those who attend standard in-person visits.

Full description

This single-center, randomized controlled trial investigates the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a virtual postoperative follow-up model for patients undergoing operative fixation of distal radius fractures. Following surgery, eligible adult patients will be randomized 1:1 to either (1) standard in-person follow-up or (2) remote monitoring.

Participants in the remote arm will complete follow-up assessments through secure online surveys, including PROMIS Upper Extremity, PROMIS-29, APEX, and ICHOM questionnaires. Grip strength will be measured using a dynamometer, and wrist range of motion will be evaluated through patient-submitted videos analyzed by the research team. Patients in the in-person arm will undergo identical assessments during routine clinic visits.

The trial is designed as a non-inferiority study powered to determine whether remote follow-up achieves comparable recovery outcomes to in-person care while potentially improving access, satisfaction, and efficiency. Safety monitoring will include review of all adverse events and complications, with predefined criteria for pausing or modifying the protocol if unexpected risks arise

Enrollment: 160 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults 18 years old or older
• Operatively treated distal radius fracture
• Access to smartphone/computer.

Exclusion criteria

• Prior significant wrist/hand injury
• lack of internet access
• Surgeon determination that injury is not suitable for the trial

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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160 participants in 2 patient groups

Remote Monitoring Follow-Up

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm will complete postoperative follow-up through a digital health platform. At 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery, they will complete electronic PROMs , measure grip strength using a dynamometer, and submit short wrist range-of-motion videos for remote evaluation. Participants will be instructed to contact the clinical team if any concerns arise.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Remote Monitoring Follow-Up

In-Person Standard Follow-Up

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this arm will attend routine postoperative clinic visits at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, following standard of care for distal radius fracture management. At each visit, PROMs will be completed, and grip strength and range of motion will be measured by the clinical team. Care decisions and management will follow institutional standards for in-person postoperative evaluation

Treatment:

Behavioral: Standard In-Person Follow-Up