Cast vs. boot: which heals a Child's ankle fracture best?
NCT ID NCT07751068
First seen Aug 07, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026
Summary
This trial compares two ways of treating a common ankle fracture in children: wearing a cast for six weeks versus using a boot and starting movement early. The goal is to see if the longer cast time helps the broken bone piece heal back together, preventing a small extra bone from forming. Children aged 5 to 12 with a first-time ankle avulsion fracture can participate, and their healing will be checked with ultrasound and X-rays.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Prolonged immobilization with a short-leg cast for 6 weeks, compared to standard care with a boot and early movement.
- What this could lead to
- If casting works, it could reduce the chance of a painful bone fragment forming after a child's ankle fracture, potentially improving healing and long-term outcomes.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial, and casting may not prevent the bone fragment. It could also cause stiffness or muscle weakness compared to early movement.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2026
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2034
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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5 to 12 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 5-12 at time of enrollment * Diagnosis of first-time lateral ankle injury and an avulsion fracture visible on imaging who can be enrolled within 14 days of injury * Patient and parent/legal guardian must speak English or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: * Previous ipsilateral ankle surgery * Pre-existing musculoskeletal disease * If patient has been casted prior to confirmation of avulsion fracture on imaging * Developmental delay * Does not meet inclusion criteria
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
RECRUITINGFrisco, Texas, 75034, United States
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