Can a Five-Day NSAID course curb opioid dependence after severe bone injuries?

NCT ID NCT06201676

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This phase 4 trial tests whether giving the NSAID ketorolac (Toradol) for the first five days after orthopedic trauma surgery can reduce the chance of patients still needing opioids six months later. About 458 adults aged 18–70 with acute musculoskeletal injuries requiring surgery will be randomly assigned to receive either ketorolac plus standard pain management or standard care alone. Researchers will track opioid use and pain-related function over six months.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: ketorolac (Toradol)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to reduce the risk of chronic opioid dependence after serious orthopedic injuries.
What could go wrong: This is a single trial with 458 participants, and the effect may be modest or not apply to all patients. Ketorolac can cause side effects like stomach bleeding or kidney issues.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

injury opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC OPIOID USE ORTHOPAEDIC POLYTRAUMA ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
RECRUITING

Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States

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