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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 75 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Turku University Hospital Government |
| Locations | 4 sites (Turku, Southwest Finland and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 5, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 4, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT04401462 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
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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EASY Algorithm: Bedside ultrasound to screen children aged 5 to 15 for elbow fractures
This project will test whether a quick bedside ultrasound can reliably show or rule out elbow fractures in children aged 5 to 15 after an injury.
-
Fixing a broken elbow with a metal plate versus non-surgical care in older adults
This test sees if using a metal plate to fix a displaced olecranon fracture helps older adults with low arm demands recover better and regain arm function than non-surgical treatment.
-
Comparing two surgical methods for treating olecranon fractures
This study is testing which surgical method, cerclage fixation or tension band wiring, works better for treating certain types of elbow fractures in adults to see if it leads to fewer complications and re-operations.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.