Buzzy bee vibration and cold for easing pain and fear during elbow pin removal
Official title: Efficacy of the Buzzy System on Pain and Fear Reduction in Elbow Fracture Pin Removal
Run by University of Oklahoma · NCT07520851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether the Buzzy vibrating ice-pack can reduce pain and fear for children ages 3 to 10 during elbow pin removal.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Oklahoma Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07520851 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 3 to 10 who have had percutaneous pinning for an elbow fracture and whose caregiver is present and can provide consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Children younger than 3 or older than 10, those unable to communicate or quantify their pain, or those without parental consent or a caregiver present would not benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-blind controlled trial will enroll children aged 3–10 who undergo percutaneous pinning for an elbow fracture. Participants will be assigned to receive the Buzzy vibrating cold device or a control intervention (flash cards) during pin removal. Pain will be measured with the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating and fear will be measured with the Children's Fear Scale, with ratings collected from the child, the parent, and the clinician removing the pins. The trial is conducted at OU Health Children's in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the Buzzy device could reduce pain and fear during pin removal, improving the experience for children and easing the procedure for families and clinicians.
How similar studies have gone: Similar vibration-plus-cold devices like the Buzzy have shown reductions in procedural pain in children for injections and blood draws, though their effect for elbow pin removal is less studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * between 3 to 10 years old * undergoes percutaneous pinning of an elbow fracture Exclusion Criteria: * under age 3 or over age 10 * unable to quantify or express their pain * Lack of parental consent * Absence of caregiver during procedure
Where it's running
-
OU Health Children's
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States Recruiting -
OU Health
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kacy Richburg, MD — University of Oklahoma
- Study coordinator: Kathy Edge, CRC
- Email: Kathy-edge@ou.edu
- Phone: 405-271-4426
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.