Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Chronic Pain Predictors in Major Trauma

This study aims to understand why some people who have experienced a major injury, including broken bones, go on to develop long-lasting pain. It's an observational study, meaning researchers will carefully watch and gather information, rather than giving new treatments. They want to find out what factors might predict which patients will experience this ongoing pain after their traumatic limb injury. Participants will complete questionnaires about their pain levels when they join the study, and then again three months and six months later. This will help doctors better understand and potentially prevent long-term pain for future patients.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

450

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2027

Chronic Pain Limb Fracture

What is this study about?

Imagine you've had a serious accident and broken a bone, maybe even several. While most people recover, some find themselves still dealing with pain months and even years later. This study, called 'Chronic Pain Predictors in Major Trauma', is trying to understand why this happens.

The main goal is to identify what puts someone at risk of developing this long-lasting pain after a major injury, especially when they've broken a limb like an arm or a leg. Researchers believe there are certain 'clues' or 'risk factors' that can help predict who might experience this ongoing pain. By understanding these factors, doctors could potentially step in earlier to help prevent or better manage pain for future patients.

This isn't a study where you'll be given new medicines or treatments; it's about learning from people's experiences. You'll be asked to share information about your pain through questionnaires at different times after your injury. This information is really important because it helps build a clearer picture of recovery and pain for people who've gone through similar traumas.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand why some people get long-term pain after serious injuries.
Focuses on people with broken limbs from major trauma.
Involves answering questionnaires about your pain over six months.
Does NOT involve new treatments or medicines.
Your information could help future patients with similar injuries.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 16 years old. You must have experienced a substantial injury affecting more than one part of your body (what doctors call 'polytrauma') and have been treated at a Major Trauma Centre here in the UK. A key requirement is that you must have at least one broken bone in a limb that was clearly seen on an X-ray or scan.

You also need to be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part. If English isn't your first language, don't worry – you can still participate, and the study can arrange for an approved interpreter to help you. It's important that you are asked to join the study within four weeks of your injury.

There are some reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your limb fracture wasn't caused by an injury (like a break from a disease), or if you needed an amputation because of your limb injury. Also, if you are currently in prison or don't have a stable address, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Quick self-check

Are you 16 years old or older?
Did you have a major injury affecting several body parts?
Were you treated at a UK Major Trauma Centre?
Do you have at least one broken bone in an arm or leg?
Were you asked to join the study within four weeks of your injury?
Can you understand and agree to take part, or use an interpreter?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, your involvement is quite straightforward. You won't be given any new medications or treatments. Instead, the main part of your participation involves answering questions about your pain and recovery through questionnaires. You'll complete an initial questionnaire when you first join the study, which must be within four weeks of your injury. Then, you'll be asked to complete two more questionnaires about your pain at two specific points after your injury: one at three months and another at six months. The entire study participation period for you would last about six months from the time of your injury.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no significant physical risks involved in this study as it doesn't involve any medical procedures or new treatments. The main benefit is that your information will help doctors understand more about long-term pain after serious injuries, potentially leading to better care for others in the future. You always have the right to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Queens Medical Centre- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What does 'observational study' mean?

It means researchers will collect information and learn from participants without giving them new treatments or medicines. They just observe what happens naturally.

Will this study give me new medication for my pain?

No, this study is not testing new medications. It's about understanding why some people develop long-term pain.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved for about six months in total, completing questionnaires at the beginning, then at three and six months after your injury.

What if I don't speak English well?

That's perfectly fine. The study can provide an approved interpreter to help you complete the questionnaires.

Can I leave the study once I've started?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Georgia E Melia, BSc (Hons), MRes

georgia.melia1@nhs.net +44 0115 9249924 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.