TerminatedNot Applicable

Short Forearm Casting Versus Below-elbow Splinting for Acute Immobilization of Distal Radius Fractures

Stopped: lack of consistent enrollment, follow up and results

United States200 participantsStarted 2014-01

Plain-language summary

There is no consensus regarding the need to immobilize the elbow in immediate immobilization of closed distal radius fractures post-reduction. Decreased functionality of the upper extremity is a notable morbidity associated with below-elbow splinting of distal radius fractures post-reduction. Few studies have provided evidence comparing sugar tong splinting versus short-arm casting as methods of immediate post-reduction immobilization. The study will randomize patients with close distal radius fractures to short forearm casting versus sugar tong splinting with close follow up including radiographic and clinical evaluation. This will provide guidance regarding the need for short forearm cast immobilization versus sugar tong splinting in early maintenance of reduction of closed distal radius fractures, as well as functional effects of sugar tong splinting versus short forearm casting.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 100 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult \> 18 years of age * Closed fracture * Isolated injury * No prior injury to ipsilateral forearm * Less than or equal to two attempts at reduction Exclusion Criteria: * Ipsilateral upper extremity injury * Open injury or neurovascular compromise * Greater than two attempts at reduction * Presentation greater than 24 hours after injury

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Number of Participants With Maintenance of Reduction

Timeframe: one month

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02679066

SponsorJohns Hopkins University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-02

Results submitted2020-03-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Distal Radius Fracture trials