Operative Versus Non-Operative Treatment of Displaced Olecranon Fractures in Patients 75 Years and Older A Nordic Multicenter Randomized Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating treatments for displaced olecranon fractures in patients aged 75 years or older. These fractures affect the elbows extensor mechanism, and surgical options like tension band wiring and plate fixation are common but come with high complication and reoperation rates, especially in elderly patients. The study aims to compare operative treatment with non-operative care to determine the best approach for this population. Patients in the study will be randomly assigned to receive either surgery or non-operative treatment. Those in the surgical group will undergo tension band wiring or plate fixation using an anatomical precontoured plate, performed by experienced surgeons according to Orthopedic Trauma Association principles. Patients in the non-operative group will be offered a plaster cast or back-slab for 1 to 2 weeks to relieve pain, which is then removed after 7 to 14 days. During the trial, participants will be monitored through various assessments over 52 weeks, including measuring elbow function with the Oxford Elbow Score, range of motion, elbow extension strength, and satisfaction. Researchers will also track complications and any reoperations throughout the study period. The total follow-up time for each participant is one year, allowing thorough evaluation of treatment outcomes and safety.

Treatment of Olecranon Fractures in the Elderly