Pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures that occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years old are traditionally treated with hip spica casting. However, recent studies suggest that functional bracing may offer clinical and financial benefits, yet there's a lack of prospective trials comparing these two treatment methods. This single-center randomized-control trial aims to assess subjective and objective clinical outcomes as well as financial aspects of functional bracing versus spica casting. Functional bracing, proposed as a potentially superior alternative, may address caregiver challenges and reduce costs by avoiding operating room time and hospital admissions. The study will evaluate fracture reduction, time to union, functional outcomes, and caregiver satisfaction. Additionally, a comprehensive cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted. Ultimately, this research aims to inform clinical decision-making regarding the optimal management of pediatric femur fractures, considering both clinical effectiveness and economic implications.
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Time to union/rate of non-union
Timeframe: Post-intervention clinical follow-ups up to 1 year
Rates of malunion
Timeframe: Post-intervention clinical follow-ups up to 1 year
Changes in Leg Length
Timeframe: Post-intervention clinical follow-ups up to 1 year
Flynn Score
Timeframe: 6 weeks post intervention and at 1 year post-intervention
Number of radiographs and cast clinic visits
Timeframe: Post-intervention clinical follow-ups up to 1 year
Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI)
Timeframe: Post-intervention clinical follow-ups up to 1 year
Complications
Timeframe: Post-intervention clinical follow-ups up to 1 year
Parent Satisfaction Survey
Timeframe: At 6 week and 1 year follow-up.
Economic costs
Timeframe: Initial presentation to hospital up to 1 year