Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 50 and up

Comparing elbow hemiarthroplasty and ORIF for treating distal humeral fractures in older adults

Official title: Elbow Hemiarthroplasty Versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for AO/OTA Type C2 and C3 Fractures of Distal Humerus in Patients Aged 50 Years or Above; a Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by Herlev and Gentofte Hospital · NCT04163172 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether surgery to fix elbow fractures with plates and screws works better than replacing part of the elbow in older adults with these types of injuries.

More Supracondylar Humerus Fracture trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment44 (estimated)
SponsorHerlev and Gentofte Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Copenhagen)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 1, 2020
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2032
Registry record updatedOctober 6, 2023
Trial IDNCT04163172 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 50 years or older with AO/OTA type C2 or C3 distal humeral fractures.

Probably not a fit

Patients with significant elbow osteoarthritis, cognitive impairments, or fractures older than 6 weeks may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a randomized control study that compares the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with elbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA) for patients aged 50 years and older who have sustained intra-articular distal humeral fractures classified as AO/OTA type C2 or C3. The study aims to determine which surgical approach yields better results in terms of recovery and complications. A total of 44 patients will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either ORIF or EHA, with follow-up assessments conducted at multiple intervals post-surgery. The findings could provide valuable insights into the most effective treatment for these complex fractures in the elderly population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and recovery for older patients with distal humeral fractures.

How similar studies have gone: While there are no direct comparisons of EHA to ORIF in this context, case series have reported promising results for elbow hemiarthroplasty in similar patient populations.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Distal humeral fracture AO/OTA type C2 or C3 confirmed by plain radiographs with 2 perpendicular views and CT scan.
2. ASA score 1-3 and physically fit for surgery.
3. Age of 50 years or above.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients unable to follow the rehabilitation protocol or answer the Danish questionnaires because of physical or cognitive inabilities as evaluated by the recruiting surgeon.
2. Significant elbow osteoarthritis as evaluated by the recruiting surgeon based on plain radiographs and CT scan.
3. Fractures that are older than 6 weeks.
4. Other associated elbow fractures.
5. Pathological fractures or relevant elbow pathology.

Where it's running

  • Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital
    Copenhagen, Denmark
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.