Comparing casting and pinning for children's forearm fractures
Official title: Casting in Finger-trap Traction Without Reduction Versus Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pin Fixation of Dorsally Displaced, Overriding Distal Metaphyseal Radius Fractures in Under Eleven Years Old Children
Run by Töölö Hospital · NCT04323410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a cast or pins work better to treat broken forearms in kids under 11 years old.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | Any age to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Töölö Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Helsinki) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 29, 2020 |
| Main results expected | September 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04323410 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children under 11 years old with completely overriding distal radius fractures.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with bilateral forearm injuries or those with complex fractures may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial compares two treatment methods for pediatric overriding distal radius fractures in children under 11 years old. One group will receive cast immobilization using finger-trap traction without reduction, while the other group will undergo closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation. The study aims to determine if the conservative approach is as effective as the surgical method in achieving optimal outcomes. Patients will be randomized at the emergency department, and the trial will assess both radiological and clinical outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence for a less invasive treatment option for pediatric forearm fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for conservative treatment methods in similar fracture types, but this specific comparison is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Child with open epiphysis with closed overriding metaphyseal distal radial fracture with or without an associated fracture of the ulna * Normal communication development (languages Finnish, Swedish, English) Exclusion Criteria: * Bilateral forearm injuries * Gustillo-Anderson grade II or III open fracture * Galeazzi fracture-dislocation * Polytrauma * Neurovascular injury of the ipsilateral upper extremity * History of a displaced forearm fracture * Underlying disease affecting fracture healing
Where it's running
-
New Children's Hospital
Helsinki, Finland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Topi Laaksonen, MD
- Email: topi.laaksonen@hus.fi
- Phone: +358 50 427 1654
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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.