Can virtual reality or a simple schedule change ease kids' fear during pin removal?

NCT ID NCT05501834

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Symptom relief Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at two ways to lower anxiety in children aged 3 to 10 who need surgical pins removed from an elbow fracture. One approach removes the pins right after the cast comes off, before an X-ray, instead of after. The other uses a virtual reality headset during the pin removal. Researchers will measure distress using a standard pain scale and heart rate, and also check if a parent's anxiety affects the child's response.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Virtual reality headset
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer simple, drug-free ways to reduce fear and distress in children during minor medical procedures.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study focused on anxiety, not on healing or safety of the fracture itself. Results may not apply to all children or procedures.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANXIETY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder humerus fracture

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIETY SUPRACONDYLAR HUMERUS FRACTURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston Children's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.