Effects of Upper Extremity Immobilization and Use of a Steering Wheel Spinner Knob Following Distal Radius Fracture

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aims of the study are to better understand how upper extremity injury and immobilization influences a patient's steering ability. Patients with acute distal radius fractures treated with surgery will be recruited for study in a driving simulator. The results will hopefully assist physicians to better counsel patients with upper extremity injuries on when it is safe to return to driving.

Detailed Description
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The ability of an injured person to safely drive an automobile while immobilized in an upper extremity cast or splint is not well defined. The aims of the study are to better understand how upper extremity injury and immobilization influences a patient's steering ability. The secondary aim is to further evaluate the effectiveness of a steering wheel spinner-knob to assist with one-handed driving. A steering wheel spinner knob may be a surrogate to assist with one handed driving while immobilized.

Official Title
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Effects of Upper Extremity Immobilization and Use of a Steering Wheel Spinner Knob Following Distal Radius Fracture

Conditions
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Distal Radius Fracture

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Spinner knob
* Other: No Knob


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: • Acute distal radius fracture treated with surgery and initially immobilized in a cast or splint Valid driver's license with 1 years of driving experience and actively driving during the last three months English speaking Ability to start testing within 10 days of surgery Exclusion Criteria: • <18 years of age Current use of steering wheel spinner knob or hand controls while driving Non-drivers Multi-trauma Open fractures Surgical repair with external fixation Concurrent distal radius/ulnar joint injury and repair Any other joint besides the wrist immobilized following surgery Contralateral upper extremity disability Previous ipsilateral upper extremity functional deficit Inability to participate for the full length of the study

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Knob<br>Steering in a driving simulator using a steering wheel spinner knob. | Other: Spinner knob<br> <br> |
| Active Comparator: No Knob<br>Steering in a driving simulator immediately following surgical treatment of hip fractures. | Other: No Knob<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Steering reaction time | Steering reaction time measured using a driving simulator will be compared across three time points (acutely, sub-acutely, and return to function) following surgical treatment of a distal radius fractures. This will be evaluated with and without the use of a steering wheel spinner knob. | 6 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Steering accuracy | Steering accuracy measured using a driving simulator will be compared across three time points (acutely, sub-acutely, and return to function) following surgical treatment of a distal radius fractures. This will be evaluated with and without the use of a steering wheel spinner knob. | 6 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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distal radius fracture, steering, steering wheel spinner knob