Can a light camera see bacteria on broken bones?

NCT ID NCT05785182

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a light-based imaging tool called optical coherence tomography (OCT) can spot bacteria or biofilm on bone, tissue, and surgical hardware during open fracture or infected fracture surgery. Researchers will enroll 40 adults to see if the technique is practical and acceptable in the operating room. If it works, OCT might one day help surgeons clean infections more completely.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If OCT can reliably detect bacteria during surgery, it could help surgeons clean wounds more thoroughly and reduce infection risk.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study focused on feasibility, not effectiveness. The imaging may not be sensitive enough to replace standard lab tests.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for FRACTURE INFECTION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Accidental Injuries bone fracture Fractures, Open injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

FRACTURE INFECTION OPEN FRACTURE TRAUMA TRAUMA INJURY

Contacts and locations

Show contact details

Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
RECRUITING

Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03766, United States

Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Contact

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.