Comparing regional (spinal) versus general anesthesia effects on breathing after hip fracture surgery

Regional Versus General Anesthesia for Hip Fracture and Postoperative Oxygenation

Observational University of Lisbon · NCT07309575

This study will test whether spinal (regional) or general anesthesia leads to better oxygen levels in people over 65 having hip fracture surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Lisbon Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lisbon, Lisbon District)
Trial IDNCT07309575 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational study measuring oxygen saturation before and for about 24 hours after hip fracture surgery using a fingertip sensor and a monitoring bracelet, with no change to clinical care. Investigators will record comorbidities, medications, and perioperative data and will collect outcomes including postoperative pulmonary complications, sleep apnea indices, delirium, length of stay, and survival. The anesthesia approach (general vs spinal) will be compared with respect to oxygenation patterns and early postoperative respiratory outcomes. Data are collected at Santa Maria Hospital and affiliated wards in Lisbon, Portugal.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged over 65 admitted for a proximal femur (hip) fracture who are scheduled for surgery and can consent or have a responsible person provide consent.

Not a fit: Patients who sustained their hip fracture during an existing hospitalization, those under 65, or those who decline monitoring are not eligible and will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose the anesthesia approach that reduces low oxygen events and respiratory complications after hip fracture surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous retrospective studies have reported conflicting results about anesthesia type and postoperative outcomes, so conclusive evidence is still lacking and prospective observational data are needed.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* hospital admission for hip fracture;
* scheduled for hip fracture surgery;
* age above 65 years, both genders;
* capable of consent or consent by responsible person;

Exclusion Criteria:

* hip fracture during hospitalization (not present upon admission)
* patient refusal to participate

Where this trial is running

Lisbon, Lisbon District

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-fractureGeneral AnaesthesiaRegional Anaesthesiaanaesthesiahip femur fracturepostoperative pulmonary complicationsoxygenationsleep apnea
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.