Comparing surgical and conservative treatments for olecranon fractures in elderly patients
SCORE Trial - Scandinavian Olecranon Research in the Elderly
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 75 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Turku University Hospital Government |
| Locations | 4 sites (Turku, Southwest Finland and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04401462 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly patients aged 75 years or older with a radiologically confirmed displaced olecranon fracture.
Not a fit: Patients with complex fractures, significant delays in treatment, or other serious health issues may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Turku, Southwest Finland and 3 other locations
- 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
- Study coordinator: Ida Rantalaiho, MD
- Email: ida.rantalaiho@tyks.fi
- Phone: +35823135040
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.