Comparing casting and pinning for children's forearm fractures

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

Not applicable Interventional Töölö Hospital · NCT04323410

This study is testing whether a cast or pins work better to treat broken forearms in kids under 11 years old.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 10 Years
SexAll
SponsorTöölö Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Helsinki)
Trial IDNCT04323410 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children under 11 years old with completely overriding distal radius fractures.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral forearm injuries or those with complex fractures may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for conservative treatment methods in similar fracture types, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Helsinki

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pediatric Overriding Distal Metaphyseal Radius Fracturesbayonet fracturepaediatric fracturedistal forearm fractureoverriding fracture
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.