Actively Recruiting
Treatment of Olecranon Fractures in Older Adults Comparing Surgery Using a Metal Plate Versus Non-Surgical Rehabilitation
Led by Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona · Updated on 2026-02-10
84
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the best treatment approach for displaced olecranon fractures (a type of broken elbow) in older adults who have low arm use. This study randomly assigns 84 patients, all aged 65 or older, into two groups to compare surgical and non-surgical options. The goal is to see which method leads to better recovery and arm function. One group receives surgery involving a cut along the back of the elbow to realign the bone and fix it with a special metal plate and screws. The surgeon uses live X-rays to ensure proper placement and starts gentle exercises early to regain movement. The other group receives conservative treatment with a sling for about two weeks followed by gradual arm movements and strengthening exercises to allow healing while maintaining elbow function. Participants will be followed for at least six months, during which researchers will assess their arm function, pain, and social-psychological effects using the Oxford Elbow Score. The study includes regular monitoring of recovery progress and rehabilitation. Participants must be able to consent and comply with study procedures, with outcomes focused on comparing recovery quality between treatments.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
This is a Study to Find Out Whether Surgery Using a Metal Plate to Fix a Broken Elbow in Older Adults Leads to Better Recovery and Arm Function Compared to Non-surgical Treatment
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients with an acute (less than 2 weeks) Mayo type 2A or 2B olecranon fracture
- Patients aged 65 years or older
- Patients with reduced functional demand, scoring between 3 and 6 on the Clinical Frailty Scale
- Patients able to provide informed consent and follow all study procedures
- Signed informed consent for study participation
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients younger than 65 years or with a Clinical Frailty Scale score less than 3 or greater than 7
- Patients with a Mayo type 2A or 2B fracture seen more than 2 weeks after injury
- Old fracture (more than 6 months), pseudoarthrosis, or unhealed nerve injury of the same upper limb
- Open fractures classified as Gustilo-Anderson type 2 or 3 or pathological fractures
- Previous injury or other conditions causing severe functional impairment of the elbow
- Patients with severe health conditions preventing safe surgery
- Other acute fractures or nerve damage of the same upper limb
- Known drug or alcohol abuse
- Inability to follow study procedures due to language barriers or severe health conditions
AI-Screening
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Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Up to 2 weeks or until discharge
Participants undergo surgery where a metal plate is used to fix the broken elbow bone. This involves a surgical cut, realignment of the bone, and securing with a metal plate and screws, followed by wound closure and early gentle exercises.
1 surgical procedure and early recovery period
Duration - Approximately 6 weeks
Participants receive non-surgical rehabilitation which includes wearing a sling or light support for about two weeks to manage pain, followed by supervised gentle arm movements and progressive exercises to regain strength and function.
Regular visits for progressive mobilization and monitoring
Duration - Up to 6 months after injury
Participants are monitored to assess recovery and arm function after the intervention period, including evaluation of pain, function, and social-psychological aspects.
Follow-up visits for outcome assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
EOC - Orthopaedics and Traumatology Service
Lugano, Switzerland, 6900
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Davide Previtali, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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