PrednisonePrednisone for CRPS in Distal Radius Fracture

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patient is aged 19 years or older;
2. Patient has a unilateral, closed, distal radius fracture confirmed by radiographs;
3. The fracture is acute, within 21 days of injury;
4. Patient undergoes open reduction internal fixation with volar locking plate;
5. Patient is identified as at risk of developing CRPS with 2 or more of the following:

1. Pain score on visual analogue scale (VAS) greater than or equal to 5/10 within 1 week of injury and beyond;
2. Centre of Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) score on presentation is greater than or equal to 16;
3. Patient identifies as female;
6. Patient is identified as developing signs of CRPS based on the Budapest CRPS Criteria;
7. Patient provides informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient has previously fractured ipsilateral wrist;
2. Patient has neurovascular injury associated with distal radius fracture;
3. Patient has associated extremity or polytrauma injuries that would interfere with rehabilitation and outcome measurements, in the opinion of the investigator;
4. Patient has allergy to prednisone or placebo ingredients;
5. Patient has contraindication to prednisone or placebo ingredients;
6. Patient already takes a glucocorticoid medication;
7. Patient has active bacterial, viral, or fungal infection;
8. Patient is diagnosed with diabetes;
9. Patient is pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding;
10. Patient is anticipated to have difficulty completing study follow up, in the opinion of the investigator.