Complications Related To Activity After Pediatric Both Bone Fractures: Exploring the Effects of Activity on Fracture Displacement

Summary

The goal of this randomized clinical study is to understand the effect of activity on the re-displacement of pediatric forearm fractures in patients ages 8-18 years old excluding those with known metabolic bone disease or obvious refracture. The main questions the study aims to answer are:

Does increased activity lead to increased re-displacement rates during the treatment of pediatric forearm fractures? Are there complications associated with increased levels of activity during the treatment of pediatric forearm fractures (skin irritation, need for re-casting, operation)? Do activity restrictions provided for pediatric forearm fractures influence patient activity levels?

Participants will be randomized into activity-restricted vs activity-limited (no contact sports). Some patients will be provided an ActiGraph Activity tracker to monitor patient activity. Every patient will complete a validated activity survey (PAQ) to assess activity at each follow-up appointment. Activity data and any complications will be recorded from time of initial presentation to cast removal.

Conditions

• Forearm Fractures (Both Bone Forearm Fractures, Isolated Ulnar Shaft, Isolated Radial Shaft)

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Restricted Activity Reccomendations

Patients in this respective group will be given restricted activity recommendations over the casting period. They will be told "Your child has a forearm/wrist fracture. It is unknown if remaining active while in a cast affects the risk of complications after this type of fracture. Your child has been randomized to the "restricted activity" group. We ask that you limit sprinting, jumping, and organized sports during the time of cast immobilization. As a rule of thumb, we recommend "feet on the floor" activities while playing and avoiding playgrounds and gym class if possible. While it is not realistic to restrict a young child entirely, do your best to avoid strenuous or intense exercise until cleared by your physician or nurse practitioner"

BEHAVIORAL

Full Activity/Limited Activity Reccomendations

Patients in this respective group will be allowed to engage in most activities. They will be read "Your child has a forearm/wrist fracture. It is unknown if remaining active while in a cast affects the risk of complications after this type of fracture. Your child has been randomized to the "activity as tolerated" group. Your child may participate in all desired activities except contact sports. Your child does not need to increase his/her activity level but should participate in activities as they feel comfortable doing so. Sprinting, jumping, and organized sports are acceptable as long as your child is not experiencing pain. Your child may use playgrounds and participate in gym class as desired. Do your best to avoid restricting your child from activities unless they are experiencing pain or you have concerns about their safety."

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Vanderbilt University Medical Center

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

8 Years

Max Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-01-16

Primary Completion

2026-07-01

Completion

2026-08-01

Countries

• United States

Study Locations