Elbow fracture showdown: surgery or a simple cast for seniors?
NCT ID NCT07400692
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study compares two ways to treat a broken elbow (olecranon fracture) in people over 65 who don't use their arms heavily. Half will get surgery with a metal plate and screws, and the other half will get a cast or splint. Researchers will measure elbow function, pain, and quality of life over time to see which approach works best.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- surgery (open reduction and plate osteosynthesis) vs. conservative treatment (cast or splint)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that a cast is just as good as surgery for certain elbow fractures in older adults, avoiding the risks of an operation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, single-hospital trial with only 84 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The study is still recruiting, and it's too early to know which treatment is better.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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EOC - Orthopaedics and Traumatology Service
RECRUITINGLugano, 6900, Switzerland
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