Could a simple ER washout replace surgery for Kids' minor open fractures?

NCT ID NCT00870064

First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026

Summary

This trial investigates whether children with minor open fractures (type I) can be treated safely in the emergency room with irrigation, closed reduction, and antibiotics, instead of undergoing formal surgery in the operating room. The study enrolls 300 children with low-energy fractures and wounds smaller than 1 cm. Researchers will compare infection rates, bone healing time, and other complications between the two approaches to see if the less invasive method is just as effective.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Formal operative treatment vs. emergency department treatment

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that many children with minor open fractures can be safely treated in the emergency room, avoiding the need for surgery and its associated costs and risks.

What could go wrong

This is a single trial with 300 children, and results may not apply to all fracture types or more severe injuries. There is a small risk that the emergency room approach could lead to higher infection rates or slower healing.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Fractures, Open

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

    RECRUITING

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••