Clinical trial Recruiting at 3 sites Interventional Ages 75 and up

Comparing surgical and conservative treatments for olecranon fractures in elderly patients

Official title: SCORE Trial - Scandinavian Olecranon Research in the Elderly

Run by Turku University Hospital · NCT04401462 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to see if two types of surgery for elbow fractures work just as well as non-surgical treatment for people aged 75 and older.

More Olecranon Fracture trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages75 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment68 (estimated)
SponsorTurku University Hospital
Government
Locations4 sites (Turku, Southwest Finland and 3 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 5, 2020
Main results expectedDecember 2027
Study endsDecember 2027
Registry record updatedDecember 4, 2024
Trial IDNCT04401462 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are elderly patients aged 75 years or older with a radiologically confirmed displaced olecranon fracture.

Probably not a fit

Patients with complex fractures, significant delays in treatment, or other serious health issues 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 study investigates the effectiveness of two surgical methods, tension band wiring and plate fixation, compared to conservative treatment for displaced olecranon fractures in patients aged 75 and older. It aims to determine if surgical intervention is non-inferior to conservative management in this elderly population. The study will include patients with confirmed displaced fractures and will exclude those with certain complications or conditions that may affect treatment outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence to optimize treatment strategies for elderly patients with olecranon fractures, potentially improving recovery and outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Similar studies have explored surgical versus conservative treatments for fractures, but this specific comparison in the elderly population is less common, making it a novel approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Radiologically (standard AP and lateral radiographs) confirmed, displaced (≥2mm dislocation of the joint surface) fracture of the olecranon
* Age of patient is 75 years or over at the time of the injury

Exclusion Criteria:

* A delay more than 2 weeks after traumatic event to the day of intervention
* Mayo type 3 fracture
* Fracture continuation distal to coronoideus
* Other acute fracture or nerve damage of the ipsilateral upper limb
* Old fracture (\<6 months) or pseudoarthrosis or unhealed nerve injury of the ipsilateral upper limb
* Open fracture
* Pathological fracture
* History of alcoholism, drug abuse, psychological or other emotional problems likely to jeopardize informed consent
* Patient's inability to understand written and spoken Finnish or Swedish or Danish
* Patient's denial for participation or cognitive incapability to provide consent
* Patient physically unfit for surgery

Where it's running

  • Turku Central University Hospital
    Turku, Southwest Finland, Finland
    Recruiting
  • Hospital Nova
    Jyväskylä, Finland
    Recruiting
  • Tampere University Hospital
    Tampere, Finland
    Recruiting
  • Danderyd Hospital
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.