Can a tourniquet help you recover from a broken leg faster?

NCT ID NCT02746458

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether briefly restricting blood flow to the leg during physical therapy could help people regain strength and muscle after a broken femur (thigh bone). 219 adults aged 18-55 with a closed femur fracture took part. The approach uses a special tourniquet system during exercise to potentially boost recovery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Blood flow restriction device (Delfi PTSII Tourniquet System)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, non-drug way to speed up muscle recovery after a broken leg.

What could go wrong

This is a completed study, but the approach is still experimental and may not work for everyone. The device is used only during therapy sessions and results may vary.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

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

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bone fracture Muscle Weakness

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Barnes Jewish Hospital

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

  • Carolinas Medical Center

    Charlotte, North Carolina, 28204, United States

  • Methodist Hospital

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States

  • MetroHealth

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44109, United States

  • San Antonio Military Medical Center

    San Antonio, Texas, 78219, United States

  • University of Maryland Medical Center

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

  • University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20889, United States