Clinical Trial: Investigations of Mechanisms and Treatment in Post-traumatic Joint Contractures

Study Status: Active, not recruiting
Recruit Status: Active, not recruiting
Study Type: Interventional




Official Title: Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial of Ketotifen in Patients With Elbow Fractures or Dislocations

Brief Summary: Injured joints, especially at the elbow, are at risk for permanent motion loss, also known as joint contractures. Joint contractures limit the function of an elbow and are a recognized complication that occurs often after a traumatic injury. The benefits of early motion after injury has helped in preventing joint contractures but there are still several patients that develop debilitating joint contractures. Current research suggests that mast cells, which are found in the joint, are key in causing joint contractures. Research has been done using a medication called Ketotifen. Ketotifen has been linked to stabilizing mast cells and preventing the joint contracture. It is hoped that short-term use of this medication after an injury will prevent the contracture from occurring.