METHODS

Design:

randomised controlled non-inferiority trial.

Allocation:

{concealed*}†.

Blinding:

blinded (outcome assessors).*

Follow up period:

18 weeks.

Setting:

tertiary care hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Patients:

117 children 4–12 years of age who presented with a closed fracture of the distal third of the forearm requiring reduction. Children with open factures or Salter Harris type III or IV fractures were excluded.

Intervention:

below the elbow (n = 46) or above the elbow (n = 56) cast was applied after closed reduction of the fracture. Reduction was done under conscious sedation in the emergency department within 4 hours, or under …