Fix Or Replace Enhancing distal humeruS fracTure outcomes - FOREST Trial

Every year, over 4,500 adults in the UK suffer a fractured elbow. These injuries are especially common among older people. The most serious fractures involve joint damage, leading to stiffness and pain that can make everyday activities difficult.

For older people with this type of fracture, there are two main treatments:

• Elbow Arthroplasty (total or hemi): Involves replacing one or both sides of the elbow with an artificial metal and plastic joint.
• Internal Fixation: Involves realigning and then repairing the break using metal plates and screws.

Both treatments are widely used across the UK and are not experimental. However, we do not yet know which treatment is the most effective. The FOREST trial aims to compare these two treatments to determine which is better.

Chief Investigator: Adam Watts [email protected]