Pilon Fracture With N-Acetylcysteine Injection (Pilon NAC)

This study is looking at a new way to help people with pilon fractures (a severe ankle fracture). These fractures often lead to long-term arthritis. Researchers are testing if injecting N-acetylcysteine (NAC) into the ankle during surgery can help protect cartilage cells. You might be able to join if you are 18 or older and have a closed pilon fracture that needs two surgeries. The study will compare NAC to a saline (saltwater) injection. The main goal is to see how well cartilage cells survive by the time of your second surgery. The study is currently unclear about its status and plans to enroll 30 participants.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 30 participants. It compares N-acetylcysteine to saline injections.
What's involved
Participants will receive an injection into their ankle during their external fixator surgery. The study will measure cartilage cell viability at the time of definitive surgery.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Cartilage cell viability is measured at the time of definitive surgery.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT03652753

Pilon Fracture With Intra-articular Injection of N-Acetylcysteine (Pilon NAC)

Recruiting
PHASE4Ages 18+InterventionalTreatment
University of Missouri-Columbia
~30 participants
Updated 2026-04-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:N-acetylcysteineSaline

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Cartilage Cell Viability
Measured over At time of definitive surgery
Pilon Fracture

NCT03652753

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Missouri Health System

    Columbia, Missouristudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Closed high energy pilon fracture requiring a staged procedure

Exclusion

Younger than 18
Open fracture
Intra-articular injury not requiring a staged procedure
Allergy to NAC
Wounds preventing safe intra-articular injection
Unwilling to participate in the study
Pregnancy
  • Cartilage Cell ViabilityAt time of definitive surgery

    During the definitive surgery we will take a cartilage biopsy and analyze for cell viability.