Management of Type 1 Supracondylar Humeral Fractures

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA · Nov 18, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to treat children with a specific type of elbow fracture called a Type 1 supracondylar humeral fracture. The researchers want to compare two treatment methods: one uses a long arm soft cast without regular follow-up visits to the doctor, while the other uses a standard long arm cast with scheduled check-ups. This is the first large study of its kind, and if the results show that the no-follow-up method is safe and effective, it could help reduce the number of unnecessary doctor visits, which is especially important during the COVID pandemic.

To be eligible for this trial, children must be between 3 and 8 years old and have a diagnosed Type 1 supracondylar fracture, which means the fracture is stable and not displaced. Children with more serious fractures, those with other elbow injuries, or those with certain medical conditions affecting their bones cannot participate. If a child joins the study, they will receive one of the two treatments being tested and will be monitored for their recovery and satisfaction with the care they received.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • - Children 3 to 8 years of age with a diagnosed supracondylar humerus fracture Type 1 (undisplaced).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children diagnosed with a Type II or III supracondylar fracture or any other elbow injury
• • Children who present with neurovascular compromise associated with their fracture
• • Children who have been previously diagnosed with a metabolic or structural bone disease that predisposes them to fractures
• Diagnostic criteria for a Type I supracondylar fracture will include either:
• • A) A clear fracture line through the supracondylar region with no displacement or angulation of the distal humerus (including a normal anterior humeral line that intersects the capitellum) OR B) The absence of a clear fracture line but history of an extension injury to the arm AND tenderness at the elbow AND local swelling AND presence of a posterior fat pad on plain radiographs.