Comparing internal fixation and hip arthroplasty for hip fractures in elderly patients

Internal Fixation Versus Hip Replacement in Older Adults with an Garden I/II Femoral Neck Fracture: Physical Function and Pain in Elderly Patients - a Substudy of the Hipsther Trial

Not applicable Interventional Uppsala University · NCT06152198

This study is testing whether surgery to fix a hip fracture or replacing the hip altogether helps older patients feel less pain and move better after their injury.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment340 (estimated)
Ages75 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUppsala University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Uppsala)
Trial IDNCT06152198 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of two surgical options, internal fixation and hip arthroplasty, on physical function and pain in elderly patients with undisplaced or minimally displaced femoral neck fractures. It is a substudy of the ongoing nationwide HipSTHeR registry-based randomized controlled trial, which aims to recruit 340 patients. Participants will be randomized to receive either treatment and will be followed up at 4 and 12 months post-surgery to assess their functional levels and pain. The study seeks to determine which surgical approach provides better outcomes for this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly patients over 75 years old with undisplaced or minimally displaced femoral neck fractures classified as Garden I or II.

Not a fit: Patients with pathological or stress fractures, peri-implant fractures, or those who cannot provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify the most effective surgical treatment for improving physical function and reducing pain in elderly patients with hip fractures.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar surgical approaches for hip fractures, but this specific comparison is part of a novel ongoing registry-based trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Undisplaced (Garden I-II) femoral neck fracture (within 72h)
* Treated at participating unit
* Informed consent
* Amenable for both treatment options
* Included in the Hipsther trial

Exclusion Criteria:

* No informed consent
* Pathological or stress fracture
* Peri-implant fracture
* Previous inclusion of a contralateral Garden 1 or 2 femoral neck fracture

Where this trial is running

Uppsala

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hip FracturesFemoral Neck FracturesUndisplaced FractureTreatment ComplicationInternal FixationComplicationsArthroplasty Complicationship fracture
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.