Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 3 to 8

Comparing treatments for pediatric Type 1 elbow fractures

Official title: Management of Type 1 Supracondylar Humeral Fractures: a Multicentre Randomized Control Trial

Run by University of British Columbia · NCT04642807 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if treating kids with Type 1 elbow fractures using a soft cast without follow-up visits is just as safe and effective as the standard cast with follow-up, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages3 Years to 8 Years
SexAll
Enrollment52 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (South Brisbane and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2021
Main results expectedJune 2025
Study endsJune 2025
Registry record updatedDecember 11, 2024
Trial IDNCT04642807 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 8 years with a diagnosed Type 1 supracondylar humeral fracture.

Probably not a fit

Patients with Type II or III fractures, neurovascular compromise, or pre-existing bone diseases will 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 study evaluates the clinical outcomes and parental satisfaction of treating pediatric Type 1 supracondylar humeral fractures using a long arm soft cast without follow-up versus the standard long arm cast with follow-up. It aims to determine if these fractures can be managed safely without in-person consultations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involves clear instructions for parents and assesses whether this approach leads to similar pain management and satisfaction levels. This is the first multicenter randomized control trial of its kind.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce unnecessary clinic visits and exposure to COVID-19 for children with stable fractures.

How similar studies have gone: This approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.

Where it's running

  • Queensland Children's Hospital, 501 Stanley Street,
    South Brisbane, Australia
    Recruiting
  • BC Children's Hospital
    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.