Clinical Research Directory

Kinematics-Based Prediction of Chronic Pain After Combat-Related Extremity Trauma

Combat-related extremity trauma frequently results in persistent pain, including neuropathic, residual limb, and phantom limb pain. The kinematics of injury-including energy level, direction of force, and dominant force components-may independently predict tissue deformation, nerve stress, and the transition from acute to chronic- pain. This prospective observational cohort study will assess whether kinematics-only variables predict chronic pain outcomes after combat-related upper and lower limb injuries. Pain outcomes will include pain intensity, pain extent (surface/area), neuropathic pain features, and mechanical pain sensitivity measured using von Frey filaments.

Nerve Blocks or Combat Trauma: What Drives Peripheral Nerve Injury?

This study will examine nerve problems after combat-related injuries to the arms or legs. Some patients receive a peripheral nerve block, an injection of local anaesthetic near a nerve, to help control pain. However, combat injuries themselves can damage nerves through blast effects, fractures, blood vessel injury, bleeding, infection, surgery, or use of a tourniquet. The study will follow adults with combat-related limb injuries who receive routine care at a specialised trauma centre. Treatment will not be assigned by the study. Researchers will record details of the injury, pain treatment, nerve block use, and nerve function over time. The main goal is to determine how often patients have new or worsened numbness, weakness, or nerve pain after injury, and whether these problems are more closely related to the injury itself, the nerve block, or several factors together. The findings may help clinicians provide safer pain treatment and recognise nerve problems earlier.