AzTrials
AzTrials

Elbow FractureNCT04642807

Management of Type 1 Supracondylar Humeral Fractures

A study testing Long arm soft cast and Long arm full cast in people with Elbow Fracture and Trauma, run by University of British Columbia at 2 sites in 2 countries.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This study compares the clinical outcomes of treating pediatric Type 1 supracondylar fracture with a long arm soft cast and no clinical or radiographic follow-up versus the standard treatment in a long arm cast with clinical follow-up. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 3 to 8 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Elbow Fracture, Trauma
What is being tested?
Long arm soft cast and Long arm full cast
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
52 participants
Where
2 sitesin 2 countries
Study dates
1 Apr 2021to Jun 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 3 to 8 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Children 3 to 8 years of age with a diagnosed supracondylar humerus fracture Type 1 (undisplaced).

Who cannot join

  • 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 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.

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 2 countries. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Harpreet Chhina, MSc contact

604-875-2000 ext. 6008

hchhina@cw.bc.ca

2 sites in 2 countries

Australia1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Queensland Children's Hospital, 501 Stanley Street,

    South Brisbane, QLD 4101

    Christopher Carty, 07 3069 7598, Christopher.Carty@health.qld.gov.au

    Sarah Farrell, SarahElizabeth.Farrell@health.qld.gov.au

    Recruiting

Other trials in Australia

Canada1 site, 1 recruiting
  • BC Children's Hospital

    Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3V4

    Harpreet Chhina, PhD, hchhina@cw.bc.ca

    Anthony Cooper, FRCSC, externalfixators@cw.bc.ca

    Recruiting

Other trials in Canada

About this study

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

This study compares the clinical outcomes of treating pediatric Type 1 supracondylar fracture with a long arm soft cast and no clinical or radiographic follow-up versus the standard treatment in a long arm cast with clinical follow-up.

This is the first multicenter randomized control trial looking at the clinical effectiveness, safety and parental satisfaction of managing inherently stable Type I supracondylar fractures without clinical or radiological follow-up. If found to be safe; children can be managed effectively without in-person follow-up, freeing clinic appointments to children on the waiting list and in these COVID times avoiding unnecessary contacts.

Read the detailed description

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes and parental satisfaction of treating pediatric Type I supracondylar fractures with a long arm soft cast and no clinical or radiographic follow-up versus standard treatment in a long arm cast with clinical follow-up.

HYPOTHESIS We propose that with clear instructions given to parents in the form of a clinical consultation at soft cast application and written instructions, a Type I supracondylar fracture can be managed with no significant change in pain, without formal in-person clinic consultation, that the treatment will proceed without any negative consequences and the treatment will be met with high parent satisfaction.

JUSTIFICATION The limiting of unnecessary patient visits, X-rays and interactions has taken on a new importance with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Any research that can limit unnecessary risk to our patients, parents and families in terms of contacts should be considered and implemented now more than ever.

OBJECTIVES Our objective is to determine whether Type I supracondylar fractures can be managed safely and effectively without clinical and radiographic follow-up x-rays.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased need to minimize patient interactions for the safety of patients and healthcare workers alike. Typically, these fractures can be managed with minimal intervention. A cast is applied primarily to alleviate pain and the child is required to return to the hospital to have the cast removed.

A soft cast provides adequate immobilization of the fracture but can be removed at home by parents. If this can be shown to provide equivalent pain relief and a similar safety profile then there will be clear benefits at this time in limiting in-person visits and thus potential COVID-19 contacts. In a non-COVID-19 period, there will also be secondary health economic benefits by reducing out-patient follow-up visits.

If our study proves there are no negative consequences then this treatment regime could be simply and rapidly implemented at centers around the world. Additionally if successful it could also be potentially applied to the management of other undisplaced and stable fractures, which would have a considerable impact on the interactions and unnecessary contacts.

RESEARCH DESIGN This study is a prospective multicenter randomized control trial evaluating patients treated with a consistent protocol assessing clinical effectiveness, safety and parental satisfaction with the management of Type I supracondylar fractures with a period of casting and no in-person clinical or radiographic follow-up compared to cast and routine follow-up (standard current practice).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS All baseline and relevant center and demographic information will be summarized between trial arms via appropriate summary statistics (medians and IQRs for continuous variables and counts for categorical variables).

The primary outcome and any other continuous outcomes will be assessed with a mixed effects model with a random intercept for study center, and a single covariate for treatment group. The coefficient from this model represents the estimated mean difference between groups and will be reported with a 95% confidence interval. Binary outcomes such as unplanned return to hospital will be analyzed similarly with mixed effects logistic regression and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals will be reported.

As the objective is to show that no follow up is not inferior to standard of care, we prespecify a 20% margin of difference as clinically equivalent for the primary outcome of difference in the pain scale between groups (i.e. 2 points on 10-point scale). Therefore, if the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval from the mixed effects model lies above 20% of the mean, we will treat this as confirmation of non-inferiority. If the entire interval lies within +/- 20% this will be taken as equivalence.

Effect modification of the comparability in the primary outcome between groups will be assessed by including interaction terms with relevant baseline risk factors. Sensitivity analyses will be based on the inclusion of patient and center level covariates thought to impact the primary outcomes and multiple imputation for missing outcomes due to possible differential follow up between groups.

Analyses will be conducted using R statistical software, and a significance level of 0.05 will be used for all analyses. A formal statistical analysis plan will be finalized by all investigators prior to.

Being tested
Long arm soft cast, Long arm full cast
Keywords
Supracondylar humeral fracture, Pediatric elbow fracture
Medical subject headings
Elbow Fractures, Wounds and Injuries

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Long arm soft castProcedure or surgery

    Participants in group 2 will have a long arm soft cast applied without clinical or radiological follow up.

  • Long arm full castProcedure or surgery

    Participants in group 1 will have a long arm full cast applied.

Study groups in NCT04642807
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group 1 "Long-arm full cast and routine follow-up"Active comparatorPatients assigned to Group 1 will be placed in a long arm cast, at 90-100 degrees in neutral rotation. A referral will then be made to the orthopedic department and the patient reviewed at week 3 with cast removal, clinical assessment and radiographic assessment as determined by the normal practice at the local center.
Receives: Procedure: Long arm full cast
Group 2 "Long-arm soft cast and no clinical or radiographic follow-up"ExperimentalPatients assigned to group 2 will be placed in a long arm cast at 90-100 degrees in neutral rotation. They will be given verbal and written information on the injury, when and how to remove the cast and contact details if there are any concerns. Since they will not be attending clinical follow-up, an email or telephone survey will be undertaken at 3 weeks and after 6 months. The survey will inquire initially about pain, unplanned returns to the Family Physician and hospital, complications, parent/patient satisfaction and a standardized patient reported outcome score will be taken. Please see attached documentation for the itemized survey questions. The 6 month follow-up will include photographs and an illustrated guide will be given to the families on how to obtain pictures of maximal flexion, extension and the child's carrying angle (attached). Measurements of range of motion from photographs are considered comparable to clinical assessment of range of motion
Receives: Procedure: Long arm soft cast

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Faces Pain Scale - Revised (FPS-R)

    The Faces Pain Scale - Revised (FPS-R) will be used to measure pain score. The scale uses a 0 to 10 metric that is in close linear relationship with a visual analogue pain scale. 0 is no pain and 10 is very much pain.

    Measured: 3 weeks post fracture

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Number of unplanned visits to the hospital or family physician

    Any visits to the hospital or family physician that were not planned

    Measured: During cast treatment

  2. Is parental satisfaction higher when they are empowered to remove a splint at home and follow a physician directed treatment program?

    Measured: 3 Weeks post fracture

  3. Is there a difference in range of elbow joint motion between the two groups at 6 months post fracture?

    Measured: 6 months post fracture

  4. • Is the difference in carrying angle from the contralateral arm at 6 months post fracture similar in children undergoing no clinical follow up or radiographic follow up compared to children undergoing routine follow-up as per the standard of care?

    Measured: 6 months post fracture

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted24 Nov 2020
  2. Study start1 Apr 2021
  3. Primary completionJun 2025 (estimated)
  4. Study completionJun 2025 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
52 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04642807
Sponsor's protocol ID
H20-02942
Status last verified
Dec 2024
First submitted
18 Nov 2020
Last updated
11 Dec 2024
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Silva M, Sadlik G, Avoian T, Ebramzadeh E. A Removable Long-arm Soft Cast to Treat Nondisplaced Pediatric Elbow Fractures: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Pediatr Orthop. 2018 Apr;38(4):223-229. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000000802.

    PubMed 29517983
  • Witney-Lagen C, Smith C, Walsh G. Soft cast versus rigid cast for treatment of distal radius buckle fractures in children. Injury. 2013 Apr;44(4):508-13. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2012.11.018. Epub 2012 Dec 22.

    PubMed 23265786
  • Shrader MW. Pediatric supracondylar fractures and pediatric physeal elbow fractures. Orthop Clin North Am. 2008 Apr;39(2):163-71, v. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2007.12.005.

    PubMed 18374807
  • Beaty JH and Kasser JR. The Elbow Region: General Concepts in the Pediatric Patient. In: Beaty JH and Kasser JR (editors). 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2006.

  • Wilkins KE and Rockwood CA. Fractures and Dislocations of the Elbow Region. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven; 1996.

  • GARTLAND JJ. Management of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1959 Aug;109(2):145-54. No abstract available.

    PubMed 13675986
  • Barton KL, Kaminsky CK, Green DW, Shean CJ, Kautz SM, Skaggs DL. Reliability of a modified Gartland classification of supracondylar humerus fractures. J Pediatr Orthop. 2001 Jan-Feb;21(1):27-30. doi: 10.1097/00004694-200101000-00007.

    PubMed 11176349
  • Skaggs DL, Mirzayan R. The posterior fat pad sign in association with occult fracture of the elbow in children. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1999 Oct;81(10):1429-33. doi: 10.2106/00004623-199910000-00007.

    PubMed 10535592
  • Symons S, Rowsell M, Bhowal B, Dias JJ. Hospital versus home management of children with buckle fractures of the distal radius. A prospective, randomised trial. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2001 May;83(4):556-60. doi: 10.1302/0301-620x.83b4.11211.

    PubMed 11380131
  • Meislin MA, Wagner ER, Shin AY. A Comparison of Elbow Range of Motion Measurements: Smartphone-Based Digital Photography Versus Goniometric Measurements. J Hand Surg Am. 2016 Apr;41(4):510-515.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2016.01.006. Epub 2016 Feb 13.

    PubMed 26880499
  • Hicks CL, von Baeyer CL, Spafford PA, van Korlaar I, Goodenough B. The Faces Pain Scale-Revised: toward a common metric in pediatric pain measurement. Pain. 2001 Aug;93(2):173-183. doi: 10.1016/S0304-3959(01)00314-1.

    PubMed 11427329
  • Tomlinson D, von Baeyer CL, Stinson JN, Sung L. A systematic review of faces scales for the self-report of pain intensity in children. Pediatrics. 2010 Nov;126(5):e1168-98. doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-1609. Epub 2010 Oct 4.

    PubMed 20921070
  • Tsze DS, Hirschfeld G, von Baeyer CL, Bulloch B, Dayan PS. Clinically significant differences in acute pain measured on self-report pain scales in children. Acad Emerg Med. 2015 Apr;22(4):415-22. doi: 10.1111/acem.12620. Epub 2015 Mar 13.

    PubMed 25773461
  • Francis Ruvuna. Unequal Center Sizes, Sample Size, and Power in Multicenter Clinical Trials. Drug Inf 2004;38:387-94.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Long arm soft cast and Long arm full cast in people with Elbow Fracture and Trauma, run by University of British Columbia at 2 sites in 2 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Dec 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Australia, Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Harpreet Chhina, MSc (604-875-2000 ext. 6008, hchhina@cw.bc.ca), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Faces Pain Scale - Revised (FPS-R) (time frame: 3 weeks post fracture). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04642807, which also lists 14 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Dec 2024.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in