Immobilisation of torus fractures of the wrist in children (FORCE): a randomised controlled equivalence trial in the UK.

by , , | Oct 24, 2022 | 0 comments

buckle fracture

Methodology: 4/5
Usefulness: 4.5/5

Perry DC, et al. Lancet. 2022 Jul 2;400(10345):39-47.

Question and Methods: This large, multicentre, pragmatic RCT aimed to show equivalence between treating pediatric buckle fractures of the distal radius with soft bandage versus rigid immobilisation.
Findings: With 965 participants, equivalence demonstrated for primary outcome of pain at day 3 (average pain scores 3.21 vs 3.14, adjusted difference -0.10 [95% CI -0.37 to 0.17]). Mild, transient increased analgesia use and decreased parental satisfaction in intervention group on day 1.
Limitations: An inability to blind participants, a clear patient/parent preference for rigid immobilisation, and a high cross-over rate between intervention groups.

Interpretation: Supports offering a soft bandage for distal radius buckle fractures instead of the usual practice pattern of rigid immobilization up to 3 weeks.

By: Dr. Caitlin Hutchings

JC Supervisor: Dr. Debra Eagles

 

 

Authors

  • Caitlin Hutchings

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  • Hans Rosenberg

    Dr. Rosenberg is an emergency physician at the Ottawa Hospital, associate professor at the University of Ottawa, and Director of the Digital Scholarship and Knowledge Dissemination Program.

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  • Debra Eagles

    Dr. Debra Eagles obtained her degree and residency training in Emergency Medicine from the University of Ottawa. She has a special interest in altered mental status, both dementia and delirium, frailty, and geriatric trauma.

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