Talking away the pain: CBT may stop chronic pain after broken bones

NCT ID NCT04274530

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce persistent pain after fracture surgery. Over 1,000 adults with broken arm or leg bones received either CBT or usual care. The goal was to see if CBT lowers the number of people who still have moderate to severe pain a year after their injury.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

What this could lead to

If it works, CBT could become a standard, drug-free way to lower the risk of chronic pain after fracture surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a completed trial, but CBT may not work for everyone, and results depend on patient willingness and ability to engage in therapy.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Acute Pain bone fracture Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome Fractures, Closed Fractures, Open Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Centre

    Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03766, United States

  • Hamilton Health Sciences - General Site

    Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 2X2, Canada

  • Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States

  • Memorial University Newfoundland

    St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

  • Ottawa Civic Hospital

    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

  • PRISMA Health

    Greenwood, South Carolina, 29615, United States

  • University of Calgary - Foothills Hospital

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada

  • University of Maryland - Capital Region Medical Center

    Largo, Maryland, 20774, United States

  • University of Maryland - R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States