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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 170 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Helse Stavanger HF Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Stavanger) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 12, 2021 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04868305 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
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Stavanger University Hospital
Stavanger, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ane Djuv, MD., PhD — Helse Stavanger HF
- Study coordinator: Thomas Abel Woldeyesus, MD
- Email: thomas.abel.woldeyesus@sus.no
- Phone: +4751513488
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This will test whether giving one dose or two doses of tranexamic acid around surgery helps people aged 65 and older with pertrochanteric or subtrochanteric hip fractures lose less blood and need fewer transfusions.
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PENG block plus local infiltration analgesia for anterior-approach hip replacement
This test sees if a motor-sparing PENG block combined with local infiltration around the hip controls pain as well as spinal anesthesia for adults having anterior‑approach hip replacement.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.