Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 65 and up

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

Official title: Regional Versus General Anesthesia for Hip Fracture and Postoperative Oxygenation

Run by University of Lisbon · NCT07309575 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment102 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Lisbon
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lisbon, Lisbon District)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 27, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedDecember 30, 2025
Trial IDNCT07309575 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably 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.

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

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Northern Lisbon Hospital Center
    Lisbon, Lisbon District, Portugal
    Recruiting

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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.