Could a simple injection after a broken ankle prevent arthritis?
NCT ID NCT03652753
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether injecting N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, into the ankle right after a severe pilon fracture can keep cartilage cells alive and reduce the chance of developing post-traumatic arthritis. Thirty adults with closed high-energy pilon fractures will receive either NAC or a saline placebo during their initial surgery. The researchers will then check cartilage cell health during the follow-up surgery about two weeks later.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
N-acetylcysteine
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple injection to prevent arthritis after severe ankle fractures.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early-phase trial with only 30 people, and it is testing a lab-measured outcome (cell viability) rather than long-term arthritis prevention. The effect seen in animals may not translate to humans.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Missouri Health System
RECRUITINGColumbia, Missouri, 65212, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••