Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 65 to 120

Comparing hip arthroplasty and intramedullary nail for unstable hip fractures

Official title: Randomized Clinical Trial: Treatment of Unstable Trochanteric Hip Fractures With Intramedullary Nail Versus Hip Arthroplasty: Survival, Complications and Postoperative Patient Reported Outcomes

Run by Helse Stavanger HF · NCT04868305 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether hip replacement surgery works better than a special nail for helping older adults with unstable hip fractures recover and improve their quality of life.

More Hip Fractures trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages65 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
Enrollment170 (estimated)
SponsorHelse Stavanger HF
Government
Locations1 site (Stavanger)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 12, 2021
Main results expectedMarch 31, 2027
Study endsMarch 31, 2027
Registry record updatedApril 30, 2026
Trial IDNCT04868305 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients aged 65 and older with unstable trochanteric hip fractures who were ambulant prior to injury.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are non-ambulant before the injury or have had previous hip surgery on the affected side may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of hip arthroplasty compared to intramedullary nail fixation in treating unstable trochanteric hip fractures. The study aims to determine if hip arthroplasty can improve postoperative mobility, overall health outcomes, and quality of life while reducing the need for reoperations. Patients aged 65 and older with specific types of unstable fractures will be enrolled, and their recovery will be monitored to assess the benefits of each treatment method. The trial is conducted at Stavanger University Hospital in Norway.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery and quality of life for patients with unstable trochanteric hip fractures.

How similar studies have gone: While there is substantial research on femoral neck fractures, this specific comparison of treatment methods for unstable trochanteric fractures is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 65 years
* American Society of Anesthesiology Score (ASA) \< 4
* Ambulant with or without aid (preinjury)
* Radiological verified unstable trochanteric hip fracture (AO 31A2.2 - 3.3)
* Written consent obtained by patient or his/her next of kin

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous hip surgery on ipsilateral or contralateral side
* Non-ambulant preinjury
* Patient not living in the area of hospital care

Where it's running

  • Stavanger University Hospital
    Stavanger, Norway
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.