Investigations of Mechanisms and Treatment in Post-traumatic Joint Contractures
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2017-08-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Injured joints, especially at the elbow, are at risk for permanent motion loss, also known as
joint contractures. Joint contractures limit the function of an elbow and are a recognized
complication that occurs often after a traumatic injury. The benefits of early motion after
injury has helped in preventing joint contractures but there are still several patients that
develop debilitating joint contractures. Current research suggests that mast cells, which are
found in the joint, are key in causing joint contractures. Research has been done using a
medication called Ketotifen. Ketotifen has been linked to stabilizing mast cells and
preventing the joint contracture. It is hoped that short-term use of this medication after an
injury will prevent the contracture from occurring.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Calgary
Collaborators:
American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand American Society for Surgery of the Hand Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Workers' Compensation Board, Alberta