Non-Steroidal or Opioid Analgesia Use for Children With Musculoskeletal Injuries

Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, including limb injuries, are the most common cause for Emergency Department (ED) visits for children with pain. Broken arms and legs are known to cause moderate to severe pain in most children, yet previous research shows that children's pain in the emergency department is still under-treated. Further, children are less likely to receive appropriate pain medicine than adults with similar injuries. The purpose of this research study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of 3 different possible medication combinations, for the pain management of children with acute MSK limb injuries. The pain medicines the investigators are studying are ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol/Tempra), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). This study will consist of 2 trials that will be run simultaneously. Eligible caregiver/ child pairs presenting to the emergency department with acute MSK limb injury will decide in which trial they wish to participate: the Opioid trial or the Non-Opioid trial. If they select the Non-opioid trial, they will have an equal chance of receiving either (a) Ibuprofen OR (b) Ibuprofen and acetaminophen. If they select the Opioid trial, they will have an equal chance of receiving either (a) Ibuprofen OR (b) Ibuprofen and acetaminophen OR (c) Ibuprofen and hydromorphone. Regardless of which study they choose, their child will, at minimum, receive Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) for their pain. All study medicines will be given in oral liquid form. This study will help the investigators figure out which pain medicine or combination of pain medicines works best for children with limb injuries. Promotion of adequate acute pain treatment of children presenting to the ED may help prevent the known short and long-term effects of inadequately treated pain in children, including unpleasant memories, stress and anxiety upon future visits to healthcare, and compromised functional outcomes such as missed school.