Comparing long and extended-short nails for treating hip fractures

Long vs Extended-short Nail When Treating Proximal Femur Fractures - An RCT-study Examining Differences in Functional and Surgical Outcomes

Not applicable Interventional Vestre Viken Hospital Trust · NCT04652310

This study is testing whether using long or extended-short nails for fixing hip fractures leads to better recovery and fewer complications for patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment800 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorVestre Viken Hospital Trust Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Drammen and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04652310 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the outcomes of two types of intramedullary nails—long and extended-short—used in the treatment of proximal femur fractures. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either a long nail or an extended-short nail, and the study will analyze surgical and functional outcomes, including operating time, bleeding, and fluoroscopy time. The goal is to provide clearer guidelines for surgeons by determining if one nail design offers better results than the other. The trial addresses a gap in existing literature regarding the optimal choice of nail length for these fractures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with intertrochanteric, pertrochanteric, or subtrochanteric fractures who are fit for surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with AO 31-A3 fractures or those who are cognitively impaired and unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications for patients with hip fractures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of different nail lengths, making this trial a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion in orthopedic treatment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Intertrochanteric, pertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures
* Distal fracture limit within 4 cm below the trochanter minor
* Intramedullary nailing with TFNA-nail is indicated
* Patient is fit for surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

* AO 31-A3 fractures (revers oblique fractures)
* Cognitively impaired patients who themselves cannot understand the study information and give informed consent, and do not have a next of kin or legal guardian who can give consent on their behalf.

Where this trial is running

Drammen and 1 other locations

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 Fracturesintramedullary nailingTFNA
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.