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Procedure

Cryoablation for Rib Fractures

N/A
Waitlist Available
Research Sponsored by Loma Linda University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Age > 18 years old
Verbal Pain score > 5
Must not have
Extensive Subcutaneous Emphysema
Prior to study enrollment: Intubated, Traumatic Brain Injury, Dementia, Cognitive Impairment, Encephalopathy
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up through study completion, up to 1 year
Awards & highlights

Summary

"This trial aims to determine if using a freezing technique to treat traumatic rib fractures improves outcomes compared to standard pain therapy. The study will look at whether this technique reduces pain, improves breathing, enhances quality of

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals with traumatic rib fractures. It's designed to help those experiencing chest pain, respiratory issues, or other complications from broken ribs. Participants should be able to undergo the procedure and follow-up tests.
What is being tested?
The study compares percutaneous cryoablation—a technique that freezes nerves—to standard pain treatments in managing rib fracture outcomes. It looks at how each method affects pain relief, breathing function, quality of life, and delirium rates over time.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include discomfort at the treatment site, risk of nerve damage leading to numbness or weakness, skin burns due to cold therapy application, and possible temporary increase in chest pain post-procedure.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am older than 18 years.
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My pain level is above 5 on a scale of 0-10.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have extensive air pockets under my skin.
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I have not been intubated or had a traumatic brain injury, dementia, cognitive impairment, or encephalopathy before joining the study.
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I do not have bleeding disorders or shock currently.
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I was using oxygen at home before my injury.
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I have suffered an injury from inhaling harmful substances.
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I have rib fractures from CPR.
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I have a fracture in one of my upper or lower ribs.
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I have a rib fracture close to my spine.
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I have a fracture in my sternum, clavicle, or scapula.
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My spine is unstable.
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I was unable to perform daily tasks before my injury.
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I have a fracture in my upper back.
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I have had open surgery in my chest or abdomen.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~through study completion, up to 1 year
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and through study completion, up to 1 year for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Pain Score: Numeric Pain Scale
Quality of Life on Survey
Rate of abnormal respiratory mechanics: Pulmonary Function Tests
+1 more
Secondary study objectives
Rate of Pleural Space Complications

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Standard multi-modal pain regimen with percutaneous cryoablationExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group II: Standard multi-modal pain regimen alonePlacebo Group1 Intervention

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Who is running the clinical trial?

Loma Linda UniversityLead Sponsor
312 Previous Clinical Trials
260,875 Total Patients Enrolled
~20 spots leftby Jul 2026
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