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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Olecranon Fracture ulna fracture

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • EOC - Orthopaedics and Traumatology Service

    RECRUITING

    Lugano, 6900, Switzerland

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••