Blue light tested as painkiller for broken ribs

NCT ID NCT06626334

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Rebecca E Kotcher, MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether shining bright blue light on adults with painful rib fractures can reduce pain and inflammation. 75 hospitalized patients will be randomly assigned to receive blue light, white light, or standard hospital lighting for 4 hours each morning for up to 3 days. Researchers will measure pain levels, confusion, and blood markers of inflammation to see if blue light helps beyond usual pain treatments.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: bright blue light therapy (Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp with blue filter)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help manage pain and inflammation after rib fractures.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial (75 people) testing a light-based approach that has not been proven for pain relief. The effect may be small or no different from white light or usual care.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Acute Pain agnosia bone fracture Rib Fractures

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PAIN, ACUTE RIB FRACTURES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Presbyterian Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
RECRUITING

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

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