RecruitingNot Applicable

SCORE Study: Comparing Surgery and Rigid Collar Treatment for Odontoid Fractures in Adults Over 70

Germany322 participantsStarted 2025-08-13

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two treatment options-surgery or rigid collar bracing-for unstable neck fractures (odontoid fractures) in adults aged 70 years and older. These fractures are common in older adults and can significantly impact mobility, independence, and quality of life. There is currently no clear evidence to determine which treatment is better for this population. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does surgery or conservative collar treatment lead to better improvement in daily living, measured by the Barthel Index, after 12 weeks? * What are the differences in pain, disability, and quality of life between the two treatments? The study team will compare patients who receive surgical stabilization with those who are treated with a rigid cervical collar to see which approach supports better functional outcomes and healing. Participants will: * be randomly assigned to either surgery (posterior C1-C2 screw-rod fixation) or conservative collar treatment * attend study visits at 12 weeks and 6 months * complete questionnaires on daily functioning, pain, and quality of life * undergo CT scans and other medical assessments * record collar use (for conservative group) in a diary * be monitored for any complications or changes in treatment (including crossover to surgery if needed) The study aims to include 322 participants to provide evidence on which treatment helps older adults recover better from odontoid fractures with fewer complications and improved quality of life.

Who can participate

Age range

70 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * At least 70 years old * Acute unstable OFs (types II, III as classified by Anderson and d'Alonzo, and atypical) * Less than two weeks post injury * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous treatment for odontoid fracture * Concomitant fractures of the subaxial cervical spine necessitating surgery * Significant comorbidity resulting in inoperability of the patient: i.e. ASA score \> 4 * Neurological compromise due to displaced fracture

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Barthel Index

Timeframe: Baseline to 12 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06961578

SponsorTechnical University of Munich

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-12-12

Contact for this trial

Maria Wostrack, Prof. Dr.

+498941405386 Maria.wostrack@tum.de

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Odontoid Fracture trials