Could a simpler surgical locking method reduce nerve damage in broken arm bones?

NCT ID NCT05877014

First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether locking a metal nail only on one side of a broken upper arm bone (unipolar interlocking) works as well as locking it on both sides (bipolar interlocking). The simpler technique may lower the risk of nerve injury, infection, and radiation exposure. About 390 adults with humeral shaft fractures who need surgery will be randomly assigned to one of the two methods and followed for a year to see if the bone heals properly.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
surgical technique: unipolar interlocking versus bipolar interlocking for intramedullary nailing
What this could lead to
If unipolar interlocking works as well as the standard technique, it could reduce nerve damage, infection, and radiation exposure during surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a single-center trial, and unipolar locking may lead to malunion requiring additional surgery. Results may not apply to all fracture types.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Chu Dijon Bourgogne

    RECRUITING

    Dijon, 21000, France