The goal of this study is to determine which initial method of immobilization for humeral shaft fractures in the emergency room maximizes patient comfort. The two methods of initial management for humeral shaft fractures are sarmiento bracing (pre-fabricated fracture brace) and coaptation splinting. In this study, the team will compare patient related outcomes and comfort for each method of initial management of humeral shaft fractures. Participant pain, narcotic usage, and function will be tracked over a 2 week period to see which method of immobilization is preferred.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
66
Patients in the coaptation splint group will have a webril padded plaster splint that is placed around the humerus. The forearm and wrist are then suspended in a cuff and collar.
Patients in the sarmiento group will be given a fitted pre-fabricated fracture brace with a cuff and collar for the forearm. The patients will be educated on brace maintained, tightening, and care during at the time of the ER encounter.
NYU Winthrop Hospital
Garden City, New York, United States
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGNYU Langone Health
New York, New York, United States
RECRUITINGJamaica Hospital Medical Center
Queens, New York, United States
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGScore on Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a 10 cm line with anchor statements on the left (no pain) and on the right (extreme pain). The patient is asked to mark their current pain level on the line. The total range of score is 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain); the higher the pain, the greater the amount of pain.
Time frame: Week 1 post-treatment
Score on Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a 10 cm line with anchor statements on the left (no pain) and on the right (extreme pain). The patient is asked to mark their current pain level on the line. The total range of score is 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain); the higher the pain, the greater the amount of pain.
Time frame: Week 2 post-treatment
Number of Tramadol Pills Taken
All patients will be discharged with 28 pills of tramadol 50mg. At week 1 follow-up, number of tramadol pills taken will be reported.
Time frame: Week 1 post-treatment
Number of Tramadol Pills Taken
All patients will be discharged with 28 pills of tramadol 50mg. At week 2 follow-up, number of tramadol pills taken will be reported.
Time frame: Week 2 post-treatment
Incidence of cutaneous complications
Cutaneous complications between immediate fracture bracing and coaptation splints in the ER within the first 2 weeks of treatment will be reported
Time frame: Week 2 post-treatment
Score on PROMIS - Physical Function - Short Form 10b
PROMIS consists of 10 statements/questions that are scored 1-5 each. The total range of score is 10-50; a higher score indicates less difficulty performing an activity.
Time frame: Week 1 post-treatment
Score on PROMIS - Physical Function - Short Form 10b
PROMIS consists of 10 statements/questions that are scored 1-5 each. The total range of score is 10-50; a higher score indicates less difficulty performing an activity.
Time frame: Week 2 post-treatment
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.