RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

How the Brain and Body Recover After a Wrist Fracture

Every year, around 100,000 people in the UK break their wrist. Most recover well, but about 1 in 10 experience long-lasting pain and disability, sometimes leading to a serious condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Currently, it's hard to tell who will recover easily and who won't, making it difficult to offer early help. This study aims to find 'clues' in the body that can predict how someone will recover. This includes looking at tiny genetic markers, chemical signals in the blood, and even heart rate patterns. We're also exploring how the brain's 'internal map' of the body might change after an injury and how this links to ongoing pain. The main goal is to help doctors identify people at high risk of long-term pain so they can receive better, more targeted treatment in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

200

Start

12 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

12 Aug 2032

Wrist Fracture Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

What is this study about?

Breaking your wrist is a very common injury in the UK, affecting thousands of people each year. While many people get back to normal relatively quickly, a significant number, about 10 to 20%, continue to experience pain and difficulties long after their bone has healed. In some cases, this can lead to a more severe and lasting pain condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

Right now, it's really hard for doctors to know early on who will have a smooth recovery and who might struggle with ongoing pain. This study aims to change that. We want to find specific 'signs' or 'clues' in the body and brain that can predict how a person will recover from a wrist fracture. For example, we'll look at things like your genes, certain chemicals in your blood, and even your heart rate patterns. We're also very interested in how your brain's 'internal map' of your body changes after an injury, as we believe a 'blurred' map might be linked to long-term pain.

The main goal of this research is to use this new understanding to help people. If we can identify those at high risk of developing long-term pain or CRPS early on, doctors could offer them specific support and treatments much sooner. Ultimately, this study hopes to improve recovery and quality of life for people who break their wrist.

Key takeaways

This study investigates why some people get long-lasting pain after a wrist fracture.
It aims to find early signs in the body and brain that predict recovery.
Researchers will look at genes, blood samples, heart rate, and brain activity.
The goal is to help doctors identify high-risk patients for better future treatment.
Participation involves questionnaires, blood tests, and simple physical assessments.
Some people may also be invited for brain scans, fitness watch tracking, or virtual reality trials.

Who may be eligible?

We are looking for two groups of people to take part in this study.

Firstly, we need people aged 18 or over who have recently broken one of their wrist bones (called a distal radius fracture) within the last six weeks. You need to be able to understand what's involved and give your agreement to join the study. We won't be able to include you if you have had multiple serious injuries, a broken bone that broke through the skin (an open fracture), or certain nerve problems or conditions that might make it hard to follow the study's steps.

Secondly, we are looking for people aged 18 or over who already live with long-term Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Again, you need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.

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?
Have you broken your wrist (distal radius fracture) in the last six weeks?
Do you understand what taking part in a study involves and are happy to agree?
Do you *not* have multiple serious injuries or certain nerve problems?
Alternatively, do you have long-term Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your journey in the study will start with a 'baseline assessment'. This means you'll fill in some questionnaires, including rating your pain from 0 to 10. We'll also take a blood sample and do some simple bedside tests. These tests include checking how well you can feel touches on your fingers with your eyes closed and how accurately you judge the size or weight of your hands or arms.

Based on these first tests, some people with recent wrist fractures might be invited for extra steps: * **Brain Scans:** If your bedside tests show changes in how your brain maps your body, you might be asked to have two special brain scans (fMRI) six months apart. You'll do simple hand tasks during the scans. * **Fitness Watches:** If your pain levels are particularly high or low, you might be asked to wear a special watch for five days at the beginning and end of your recovery to track your heart rate patterns. * **Virtual Reality:** If you still have pain or a 'blurred' body map after six months, you might be asked to try some at-home virtual reality equipment to see if it helps retrain your brain.

The total duration of your involvement would depend on whether you take part in these extra steps, but the main assessment is a one-off visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several benefits. You would be contributing to vital research that aims to improve care for people with wrist fractures and long-term pain in the future. You might also gain a better understanding of your own condition. There are some small risks, such as minor discomfort from the blood test, and the brain scans involve being in an enclosed space. Wearing a fitness watch or using VR equipment at home is generally very safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Addenbrooke's Hospital
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

CRPS is a type of long-lasting pain that usually affects an arm or a leg, often after an injury like a fracture. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and changes in skin temperature or colour.

What is a 'brain map' of the body?

Your brain has an internal representation of your body. After an injury, this 'map' can sometimes become a bit confused or 'blurred', which might contribute to ongoing pain.

Will I get any treatment in this study?

This study is mainly about understanding and identifying risk factors. You won't receive new treatments as part of the main study, but some participants might get to try virtual reality as a new approach.

How long will the study last?

The study itself is planned to run for four years (September 2025 - 2029). Your personal involvement will depend on the assessments you take part in, from a single visit to follow-up brain scans over six months.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by a team of experts from Cambridge Arthritis Research Endeavour (CARE) in areas like genetics, brain imaging, and pain, all experienced in clinical research.

How to find out more

Neal Chauhan, MBBS

neal.chauhan@nhs.net 01223 216182 Official trial record

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