Comparing short and long fiberglass casts for children's forearm fractures

Unterarm-Combicast Versus Oberarm-Combicast Bei Gelenknahen Distalen (Salter Harris I/II) Radius- Und Vorderarmfrakturen im Kindesalter

NA · University Children's Hospital, Zurich · NCT05156749

This study tests whether a short fiberglass cast works just as well as a long fiberglass cast for kids with certain types of forearm fractures.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Children's Hospital, Zurich (other)
Locations1 site (Zurich)
Trial IDNCT05156749 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of short-arm fiberglass cast (SAC) immobilization compared to long-arm cast (LAC) treatment for children with displaced and non-displaced distal Salter Harris I and II forearm fractures. Participants are randomly assigned to either the SAC or LAC group through a sealed envelope method. While the treatment groups are not blinded to the patients or staff, the data analysis will be conducted under blinded conditions to ensure objectivity in the results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 4 to 16 years with Salter Harris I or II fractures of the distal radius or forearm.

Not a fit: Patients with open, unstable, or intraarticular fractures, or those outside the age range of 4 to 16 years, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence for a less invasive and potentially more comfortable treatment option for children with forearm fractures.

How similar studies have performed: While there may be limited studies directly comparing short and long-arm casts in this specific context, similar approaches in pediatric fracture management have shown promise in improving patient comfort and outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Salter Harris I or II fracture of the distal radius or a forearm fracture
* informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* open/instable/intraarticular fracture
* age \<4 years or \> 16years
* no informed consent

Where this trial is running

Zurich

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Fracture Forearm

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.