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NCT Number: NCT07243808

Comparison of Mixed Reality and Ultrasound Localization Techniques for Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures

The goal of this observational study is to compare two localization methods used before surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF): mixed reality (MR) and ultrasound-guided.

Main Research Question Before SSRF, does MR help surgeons mark rib fracture locations more accurately (in centimeters) and faster than ultrasound-guided?

Participants After the study ends, all participants will keep follow-up at the thoracic surgery clinic. The team will record wound healing and pain scores for use in the observational study.

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Key information

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Ages 18 to 80 years
  • Computed tomography (CT) demonstrates ≥3 rib fractures, and the patient meets indications for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF).
  • Able to understand the study and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Uncorrected coagulopathy.
  • Known osteoporosis or pathologic fractures.
  • Respiratory failure or hemodynamic instability requiring emergent surgery.
  • Declines to participate or withdraws consent.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Rib fracture localization accuracy (cm)

    Time frame: Intraoperative assessment during the index SSRF procedure (immediately after fracture exposure and before plate fixation).

    Definition: For each participant and each method (mixed reality [MR; OpVerse] and ultrasound), accuracy is the absolute linear distance (cm) between the preoperative skin mark and the intraoperatively identified center of the fracture after exposure.

    Measurement: After skin incision and minimal soft-tissue dissection to expose the fracture line, the surgeon measures the shortest distance from the skin mark to the fracture center with a sterile ruler, recorded to 0.1 cm.

    Analysis note: Accuracy will be summarized per method, and a within-subject difference (MR minus ultrasound) will be calculated.

    Procedural note: If exposure is inadequate, the incision may be extended at the surgeon's discretion to safely perform SSRF; this does not change the measurement definition.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Hsien-Chi Liao, MD, MPH

CONTACT

[email protected]

+886-972651611

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Taiwan University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Nov 24, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 24, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.