Clinical Trial: Defining Displacement Thresholds for Surgical Intervention for Distal Radius Fractures - a Delphi Study

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Defining Displacement Thresholds for Surgical Intervention for Distal Radius Fractures - a Delphi Study

Brief Summary:

Wrist (distal radius fractures) are very common injuries. Despite this there is still much controversy about the best way to treat them and in particular which ones require intervention. Many studies have been carried out but there is no strong evidence to answer these questions. We are carrying out a Delphi study which involves seeking consensus from experts at treating these injuries about the best way to manage them. UK and international expert surgeons will take part in three rounds of online questionnaires to help decide how much displacement of the fracture will trigger treatment for different common wrist fracture cases. The aim of the study is to obtain expert opinion through consensus from the expert group about the amount of displacement that is acceptable until intervention is required.

This will provide guidance and reduce variation between treating surgeons.

Detailed Summary:

We conducted a systematic review following SIGN guidelines with the British Society for Surgery of the Hand(BSSH) blue book committee looking at the relationship between measured radiological parameters and functional outcome. 42 studies were identified all of which were of low quality. The conclusion was; 'Currently there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate an association between any measured radiological parameters and patient rated outcome. Further high quality research is required to answer this question.' The review identified that the most commonly measured parameters were radial height, radial inclination, volar tilt and intra articular step and gap.

The Delphi process involves seeking consensus from renowned experts to provide an answer to specific research questions. Through this Delphi study we intend to investigate and achieve consensus regarding the threshold for intervention in displaced distal radius fractures. We will aim to quantify how much displacement can be accepted before intervention is required for different patient groups. This can then help guide surgeons with their management decisions and help reduce variation.

A three round modified Delphi process will be used. Identified experts will be sent an invitation email with an attached electronic form which they will be asked to fill in and return to indicate if they wish to take part.

Invitation emails will be sent on the same day to all experts and they will be given 14 days to return the acceptance form.

The first round will start 14 days after the invitation email is sent. The first round electronic survey link will simultaneously be emailed to all participants who have agreed to take part. After seven days, a second e-mail (reminder) will be sen
Sponsor: University of Leicester

Current Primary Outcome: Agreement on questions from expert panel [ Time Frame: 10 weeks ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: University of Leicester

Dates:
Date Received: April 19, 2017
Date Started: February 17, 2017
Date Completion: May 28, 2017
Last Updated: April 21, 2017
Last Verified: April 2017