Does Vitamin C Reduce Finger Stiffness After Distal Radius Fractures?
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2017-12-22
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The reported prevalence of disproportionate pain and disability among patients recovering
from a fracture of the distal radius varies widely. Literature reports numbers between 1% and
37%, perhaps in part because it is poorly defined, known by so many different names,
subjective, and unverifiable.
The investigators are interested in the effect of vitamin C after distal radius fractures on
objective measurement of finger motion, patient reported outcome measures, and pain
intensity, instead of the previously used, subjective and imprecise criteria for complex
regional pain syndrome.
Patients presenting to the Hand and Orthopaedic Trauma Services of MGH with a distal radius
fracture will be asked to participate in this clinical trial. Patient will be randomly
assigned to take either placebo or vitamin C 500 mg until full finger motion is attained as
regarded by the treating physician at follow-up or for 6 weeks.
The investigators hypothesize no difference in finger stiffness at 6 weeks measured by
distance to palmar crease of the index through little finger between patients taking vitamin
C or placebo after a distal radius fracture. Additionally, the investigators assess finger
stiffness by range of motion and stiffness of the thumb, and difference in PROMIS upper
extremity function and pain score both measured at six months.