Effect of Occupational Therapy on the Function and Mobility of Elbow Fractures

Supracondylar Humerus Fracture Clinical Trial

Official title: Effect of Occupational Therapy on the Function and Mobility in Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Supracondylar humerus fracture are common upper extremity injuries in children accounting for over 400 fractures per year and approximately 25% of all fractures treated at Seattle Children's Emergency Department. Most of these fractures are treated with splints and casts though more than one-third undergo surgical fixation followed by casting. Healing is usually complete after 3-4 weeks, when casts (and pins, if fixed operatively) are removed and motion begun. Though stiffness is often a problem after immobilization of adult elbow fractures, stiffness after pediatric elbow fractures is regarded as typically transient. This study addresses the question "Does early motion of the arm with physiotherapy promote the return of function and motion in patients with supracondylar humerus fractures?" The investigators will conduct a prospective randomized trial to determine the effect of six occupational therapy visits over a five week period of time on elbow function and mobility after supracondylar humerus fracture. The investigators will measure motion of the elbow and administer the child and parental Activity Scale for Kids performance versions (ASKp) assessment tool to answer this question.

Clinical Trial Description

n/a

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Fractures, Bone
• Humeral Fractures
• Supracondylar Humerus Fracture

• NCT number: NCT00871793
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Seattle Children's Hospital
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: March 2009
• Completion date: September 2011