Could a common steroid stop wrist fracture pain from becoming chronic?

NCT ID NCT06453447

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of British Columbia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tests whether a 14-day course of prednisone, an anti-inflammatory steroid, can prevent complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after wrist fracture surgery. CRPS is a painful complication that can lead to long-term disability and increased opioid use. The study will enroll 40 adults at risk of CRPS, randomly giving them either prednisone or a placebo for two weeks, and track outcomes like pain resolution and opioid consumption.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Prednisone
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, short-term treatment to prevent chronic pain and disability after wrist fractures.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (40 people) focused on feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. Prednisone has side effects like weight gain and mood changes.

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.

complex regional pain syndrome Pain radius fracture Wrist Fractures

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROMES DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Vancouver General Hospital
RECRUITING

Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9, Canada

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