Early fixation versus conservative therapy of multiple, simple rib fractures (FixCon): protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Table 1 Schedule of events (duration after trauma)

Radiographs and event forms	Screening	Enrolment	Pre-surgery	Surgery	Post-surgery (until day 7*)	2 weeks (7–21 days)	30 days (21–39 days)	3 months (11–15 weeks)	6 months (24–28 weeks)	12 months^$ (12–14 months)
CT-scan	X								X
Screening	X
Informed consent		X
Randomization		X
Baseline data			X	X
Intervention/surgical report form				X	X
Outpatient clinic FU						X	X	X	X	X
Spirometry							X	X	X	X
Analgesic use			Daily, afternoon		Daily, afternoon	X	X	X	X	X
Pain (NRS-rest and inspiration)			Daily, afternoon		Daily, afternoon	X**	X	X	X	X
Pain (NRS-night, daily, and care)						X**	X	X	X	X
QoL (EQ-5D and SF-12)						X**	X	X	X	X
Complications			X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
(Secondary) interventions			X		X	X	X	X	X	X
iPCQ and iMCQ questionnaire						X***	X	X	X	X
Early withdrawal						****	****	****	****	****

ISSN: 1749-7922