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This was a prospective study done in a pediatric emergency department where 329 children ages 4-16 years with isolated fractures were included. After casting, children were prescribed either ibuprofen or oxycodone. Pain score and activity level were followed by phone for 6 weeks. The reduction in pain was comparable for motrin and oxycodone. However, the children who received motrin experienced less side effects and quicker return to baseline activities compared to oxycodone.
Bottom line: Ibuprofen is a safe and effective option for fracture related pain and has fewer adverse effects compared to oxycodone.
References
Ali et al. An observational cohort study comparing ibuprofen and oxycodone in children with fractures. PLos ONE 16(9): e0257021.