Treatment of Non-Dislocated Midshaft Both-Bone Fractures

Above Elbow Cast in Non-Dislocated Both-Bone Midshaft Forearm Fractures in Children: Necessity or Needless Cruelty? A Randomized Trial

The investigators created a randomized clinical trial to find out what kind of treatment is optimal for non-dislocated both-bone midshaft forearm fractures.

Children who arrive at the emergency unit with a non-dislocated both-bone midshaft forearm fracture will be asked to join the trial. After informed consent we will do a randomization between 6 weeks above elbow cast and 3 weeks above elbow cast in combination with 3 weeks under elbow cast.

Outpatient clinic visits till a follow-up of 6 months. During these visits we will investigate: consolidation and dislocation on X-ray, function of both arms, complaints in daily living and complications.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both-bone midshaft forearm fracture
• Age < 16 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dislocation
• Fracture older than 1 week
• No informed consent
• Refracture
• Open fracture (Gustillo 2 and 3)
• Torus fractures of both ulna and radius