Early conversion to below-elbow cast for non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children is safe: preliminary results of a multicentre randomised controlled trial

J.W. Colaris, Max Reijman, JH Allema, Ulas Biter, RM Bloem, CP Ven, Merel Vries, AJH Kerver, Jan Verhaar

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6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This multicentre randomised controlled trial was designed to explore whether 6 weeks above-elbow cast (AEC) or 3 weeks AEC followed by 3 weeks below-elbow cast (BEC) cause similar limitation of pronation and supination in non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children. Children were randomly allocated to 6 weeks AEC or to 3 weeks AEC followed by 3 weeks BEC. The primary outcome was limitation of pronation and supination after 6 months. The secondary outcomes were re-displacement of the fracture, complication rate, limitation of flexion and extension of wrist and elbow, cast comfort, cosmetics, complaints in daily life and assessment of radiographs. A group of 23 children was treated with 6 weeks AEC and 24 children with 3 weeks AEC and 3 weeks BEC. The follow-up rate was 98 % with a mean follow-up of 7.0 months. The mean limitation of pronation and supination was 23.3 +/- A 22.0 for children treated with AEC and 18.0 +/- A 16.9 for children treated with AEC and BEC. The other study outcomes were similar in both groups. Early conversion to BEC is safe in the treatment of non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children. Multicentre randomised controlled trial, Level II.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)1407-1414
Number of pages8
JournalArchives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
Volume133
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Research programs

  • EMC MGC-02-53-01-A

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