Static vs. Dynamic Progressive Splinting for Persistent Wrist Stiffness After DRF

Al Hayah University In Cairo

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Distal Radius Fractures

Treatments: Behavioral: Static Progressive Splinting for Persistent Wrist Stiffness; Behavioral: Dynamic Splinting for Persistent Wrist Stiffness

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06913933

SPDS2025-03

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of static progressive splinting versus dynamic splinting for treating persistent wrist stiffness in adults ≥18 years old at least 8 weeks post distal radius fracture (DRF) injury. Both splinting modalities are provided as an adjunct to one weekly supervised therapy session over a 6-week period. The primary outcomes are wrist active and passive range of motion (AROM/PROM) measured using goniometry, with secondary outcomes including patient-reported wrist function (PRWE), overall satisfaction, and adverse events.

Enrollment: 50 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18 years or older. At least 8 weeks post distal radius fracture (operative or nonoperative) who have completed standard rehabilitation.

Demonstrated persistent wrist stiffness with ≤50% of contralateral wrist extension or flexion.

Capable of providing written informed consent and complying with study procedures

Exclusion criteria

Presence of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or active fracture healing issues.

History of significant wrist pathology unrelated to the DRF. Uncontrolled medical conditions that would interfere with splint application or therapy.

Known skin conditions or allergies that preclude orthosis use. Inability or unwillingness to adhere to the intervention protocol or follow-up schedule.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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50 participants in 2 patient groups

Static Progressive Splinting Group (SPSG)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group receive static progressive splinting using a commercial splint that allows incremental adjustment through a turnbuckle design. This splint is used to gradually increase wrist extension and/or flexion, tailored to the patient's stiffness pattern, alongside a once-weekly supervised therapy session.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Static Progressive Splinting for Persistent Wrist Stiffness

Dynamic Splinting Group (DSG)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group receive dynamic splinting using a commercial device equipped with elastic tension (spring-loaded) that provides a constant dynamic stretch to the wrist. This intervention is delivered alongside a weekly supervised therapy session.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Dynamic Splinting for Persistent Wrist Stiffness