Ultrasound Assessment of Pediatric Fracture Healing With the PLUS Score

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Conditions studied: Bone Fractures in Children, Fracture Healing

In brief

This observational study investigates whether ultrasound can safely and accurately monitor the healing of bone fractures in children, comparing it to standard X-rays. Currently, children with fractures often require multiple X-rays during their recovery, which exposes them to small amounts of ionizing radiation. Ultrasound, on the other hand, is completely radiation-free. The study aims to evaluate a specific ultrasound scoring system called the PLUS (Pediatric Long-bone Ultrasound Score) score. The study will include pediatric patients who are being treated conservatively (e.g., with a cast) for a long bone fracture, fractures of the sternum, patella and clavicle. During their regularly scheduled follow-up visits, participants will receive a brief ultrasound scan of the fracture site in addition to their standard clinical and X-ray examinations. The medical decisions regarding the patient's treatment will continue to be based entirely on standard care. The main goal is to determine if the ultrasound PLUS score strongly correlates with the X-ray findings. If proven accurate, this scoring system could help reduce the need for routine X-rays in the future, thereby minimizing radiation exposure and potentially streamlining outpatient workflow.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07755787

Run by

University Hospital Hradec Kralove

People needed

1200

Starts

2026-09-01

Expected to finish

2030-12-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-08-10

Who can join

Age: any, up to 14. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 0 to 14 years.
• Acute fracture of a clavicle, sternum, patella, or long bone.
• Conservative treatment planned or ongoing, including closed reduction and immobilization/casting.
• Scheduled for routine outpatient follow-up with clinical and radiographic assessment.
• Written informed consent from parent/legal guardian, with child assent when appropriate.

You may not qualify if…

• Fractures treated surgically, including internal or external fixation.
• Pathological fractures.
• Metabolic bone disease or known bone fragility disorder.
• Severe polytrauma or unstable clinical condition.
• Inability to complete follow-up or non-compliance with study procedures.

Where it is running

• University Hospital Hradec Kralove — Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, Czechia

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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