Splinting Versus Casting for Type I Supracondylar Fractures

University of British Columbia

Status: Completed

Conditions: Bone Fractures

Treatments: Procedure: Long Arm Splint; Procedure: Above Elbow Cast

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01912365

H13-01520

Details and patient eligibility

About

Elbow fractures are very common in young children. Type I supracondylar fractures are stable fractures to the elbow that are treated conservatively across the world and typically heal very well without complications. There are several treatment options, including an above elbow cast or long arm splint. This study aims to determine if one treatment is no worse than the other in order to standardize the treatment of these fractures at our institution. The investigators hope to save families from extra hospital visits and reduce the amount of x-rays required for treatment of these fractures.

Enrollment: 48 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 3 to 12 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Ages 3-12
• Type 1 supracondylar fracture

Exclusion criteria

• A type 2 or 3 supracondylar fracture
• Neurovascular compromise associated with the fracture
• Previous diagnosis with a metabolic or structural bone disease
• Other fractures to ipsilateral upper extremity
• History of injury to affected elbow

Trial design

48 participants in 2 patient groups

Above Elbow Cast + Collar/cuff

Description:

Participants randomized to this group will be treated with an Above Elbow Cast \& collar/cuff for 3 weeks

Treatment:

Procedure: Above Elbow Cast

Long Arms Splint + Collar/Cuff

Description:

Participants randomized to this group will be treated with a long arm splint \& collar/cuff for 3 weeks

Treatment:

Procedure: Long Arm Splint