Comparing two methods for treating hip fractures

Prospective Randomized Controlled Comparison of Sliding Hip Screw to Intra Medullary Nailing in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture

NA · University Hospital Waterford · NCT03906032

This study is testing whether a new surgical method for hip fractures can help people walk better and move more easily compared to a traditional method.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Waterford (other)
Locations1 site (Waterford)
Trial IDNCT03906032 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of two surgical methods, Sliding Hip Screw (SHS) and Intramedullary Nailing (IMN), in treating intertrochanteric hip fractures. It aims to determine if the IMN method provides better functional outcomes, particularly in terms of gait speed and mobility, compared to SHS. The study will involve a prospective randomized design, assessing various objective gait parameters and established postoperative outcomes. The findings could help address the significant healthcare costs associated with hip fractures and improve patient independence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with OTA Hip fracture grade A1 or A2.

Not a fit: Patients with complex fractures, such as those with lateral wall comminution or concurrent lower limb fractures, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved mobility and independence for patients recovering from hip fractures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have not shown a clear advantage of nailing over hip screws, making this approach novel in its focus on functional outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* OTA Hip fracture grade A1 and A2
* Greater than 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Fracture less than 18 yrs old
* Fracture with lateral wall trochanteric comminution
* Poltrauma
* Concurrent lower limb fractures
* Immobile/wheelchair/bedbound patients
* High energy hip fractures
* Pathological fractures
* Reverse oblique and sub-trochanteric femoral fractures which are considered obligate TFNA at our centre
* Open wounds on affected limb
* Active psoriasis or other dermatological conditions at affected area
* Unable to gain consent from patient or patient's NOK

Where this trial is running

Waterford

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hip Fractures, Gait, Unsteady, Function, Timed up and go, mobility, functional outcome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.