Fixing a broken elbow with a metal plate versus non-surgical care in older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This single-center, randomized study enrolls 84 patients aged over 65 with an acute displaced (Mayo type 2A or 2B) olecranon fracture and reduced functional demand. Participants are randomly assigned 1:1 to open reduction with plate osteosynthesis or to conservative treatment with early mobilization. The trial compares recovery and arm function between the two groups over scheduled follow-up visits. The aim is to identify which treatment provides better functional outcomes for this specific older, low-demand population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria

* Patients with an acute (\< 2 weeks) Mayo type 2A or 2B olecranon fracture
* Patients aged \> 65 years • Patients with reduced functional demand, with a score \> 2 and \< 7 on the Clinical Frailty Scale
* Patients able to provide informed consent and follow all study procedures as indicated in the protocol
* Signed informed consent for study participation

Exclusion criteria:

* Patients aged \< 65 years or with a Clinical Frailty Scale score \> 7 or \< 2
* Patients with a Mayo type 2A or 2B fracture seen more than 2 weeks after injury
* Old fracture (\> 6 months), pseudoarthrosis, or unhealed nerve injury of the ipsilateral upper limb
* Open (Gustilo-Anderson type 2 or 3) or pathological fracture
* Previous injury to, or other condition of, the elbow with severe functional impairment
* Patients with severe comorbidities preventing safe surgical treatment
* Other acute fracture or nerve damage of the ipsilateral upper limb
* Known drug or alcohol abuse
* Inability to follow study procedures (e.g., due to language barriers or severe comorbidities)

Where it's running

• EOC - Orthopaedics and Traumatology Service
  Lugano, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Davide Previtali, MD — Eoc
• Study coordinator: Davide Previtali, MD
• Email: RicercaOrtopedia.ORL@eoc.ch
• Phone: 0041918117029

Similar studies

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

• 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.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Charite University, Berlin, Germany · Amberg and 12 other locations · NCT07429344

• 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.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Region Skane · Lund, Skåne County and 1 other locations · NCT05657899

• Comparing surgical and conservative treatments for olecranon fractures in elderly patients

  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.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Turku University Hospital · Turku, Southwest Finland and 3 other locations · NCT04401462

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.