Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Randomised Controlled Evaluation of the Repair of Extra-articular Fractures of the Metacarpals and First Phalanges of the Long Fingers

Doctors are running a study to find the best way to treat broken bones in your hand, specifically fractures in your fingers or the long bones leading to them (but not your thumb). They are comparing three different surgical techniques: using a small screw inside the bone, using a plate and screws, or using tiny pins. The main aim is to see which method helps your hand recover function better and faster. Researchers will also look at which operation causes fewer problems and is more cost-effective for the NHS. Participants will be put into one of the three surgery groups by chance. They will have follow-up appointments over 12 months to check their hand function, movement, grip, how well the bone has healed, and any issues.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Montpellier

Enrolment target

111

Start

30 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2027

Hand Fractures

What is this study about?

When you break a bone in your hand – specifically in your fingers or the long bones just before your fingers (excluding your thumb) – doctors often need to do an operation to help it heal properly. There are a few different ways to do this, and doctors want to find out which one is the very best for patients in the UK.

This study, called a randomised controlled trial, is designed to carefully compare three common surgical methods. One method uses a small screw placed inside the bone, another uses a small plate and screws on the outside of the bone, and the third involves putting tiny pins through the skin into the bone. By comparing these options, the aim is to see which one helps people get the best use of their hand back, causes the fewest problems, and offers the best value for the healthcare system.

The findings from this study will be really important. They will help doctors decide which surgical technique to recommend in the future for similar hand fractures. This means that if you or someone you know breaks a similar bone in their hand, doctors will have clearer evidence to offer the most effective and safest treatment available.

Key takeaways

This study compares three common surgeries for certain hand fractures.
It aims to find the best surgery for recovery and fewest problems.
Patients are randomly assigned to one of three surgical groups.
Follow-up appointments last for 12 months to check healing and function.
The study helps improve future hand fracture treatments.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be an adult (age 18 or over) and have recently broken a specific type of bone in your hand. This break must be a straightforward fracture in one of your fingers or the long bones in your hand, but NOT your thumb.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. For example, if your thumb is broken, if the skin is broken around the fracture (called an open fracture), if you have problems with blood flow to your hand, if your bone broke due to another disease (like cancer), or if you'd had a fracture in that hand before. Also, you need to be willing to give your permission to be part of the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a simple break in your finger or the long part of your hand (not your thumb) that needs surgery?
Do you not have an 'open' fracture where the bone broke through the skin?
Have you not had a previous break in the same bone?
Are you able to agree to take part in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be put into one of the three treatment groups by chance, like flipping a coin. You will then have the specific surgical procedure (either a screw, a plate, or pins) for your hand fracture. After your surgery, you will have several follow-up appointments. These will be at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and a final visit at 12 months after your operation. At these visits, doctors and nurses will check how well your hand is healing and moving. They will measure your hand function, how far you can move your fingers, your grip strength, and take X-rays to see the bone. You'll also be asked about any problems you might be having and how satisfied you are with your recovery. The total duration of your active involvement in the study, including all follow-up, will be 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help improve our understanding of the best way to treat hand fractures, which could benefit future patients. For you, the surgical procedures are standard treatments and the aim is for your hand to recover well. However, as with any surgery, there are always potential risks such as infection, problems with healing, or needing further surgery. The study also involves extra follow-up appointments. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital of Montpellier
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France

Common questions

What kind of hand breaks are you studying?

We're looking at simple breaks in your fingers or the long bones in your hand, but not your thumb, that need an operation.

What are the three types of surgery being compared?

We're comparing fixing the break with a small screw inside the bone, using a small plate and screws, or using tiny pins.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll be part of the study for 12 months after your surgery, with several follow-up appointments during that time.

Will I get to choose which surgery I have?

No, you'll be put into one of the three surgical groups by chance, like drawing lots.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Pierre-Emmanuel Chammas, MD, MSc

pe-chammas@chu-montpellier.fr +33467338537 Official trial record

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