The goal of this randomized clinical study is to understand the effect of activity on the re-displacement of pediatric forearm fractures in patients ages 8-18 years old excluding those with known metabolic bone disease or obvious refracture. The main questions the study aims to answer are:
Does increased activity lead to increased re-displacement rates during the treatment of pediatric forearm fractures? Are there complications associated with increased levels of activity during the treatment of pediatric forearm fractures (skin irritation, need for re-casting, operation)? Do activity restrictions provided for pediatric forearm fractures influence patient activity levels?
Participants will be randomized into activity-restricted vs activity-limited (no contact sports). Some patients will be provided an ActiGraph Activity tracker to monitor patient activity. Every patient will complete a validated activity survey (PAQ) to assess activity at each follow-up appointment. Activity data and any complications will be recorded from time of initial presentation to cast removal.
Isolated Distal Radius Metaphyseal Fx (with or without ulna styloid)
Distal Third (<4 cm from physis) Radius and Ulna fracture (i.e. without obvious physeal involvement)
Insolated Radial Shaft Fracture (diaphyseal)
Radial and Ulna Shaft Fracture (diaphyseal)
Initial presentation >7 days from the time of injury
Pathologic fracture
Any patient with metabolic bone disease (ex. Osteoporosis, skeletal dysplasias)
Any patient with known bone fragility condition (ex. Osteogenesis imperfecta)