Comparing two methods of locking screws in hip fracture surgery
Official title: Static Helical Screw Locking of Pertrochanteric Femur Fractures Using the TFN-Advanced Proximal Femoral Nailing System - a Randomized Trial
Run by Fraser Orthopaedic Research Society · NCT04851509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing two different ways to secure screws in hip fracture surgery to see which method helps patients heal better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 218 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fraser Orthopaedic Research Society Research network |
| Locations | 1 site (New Westminster, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 17, 2021 |
| Main results expected | June 2026 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 28, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04851509 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are patients over 18 years old with AO/OTA 31-A pertrochanteric fractures who are ambulatory prior to their injury.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contralateral hip fractures, non-ambulatory status, or significant medical co-morbidities that contraindicate surgery may 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 study investigates the outcomes of pertrochanteric femur fractures treated with the TFN-Advanced nailing system by comparing two surgical techniques: static locking and dynamic locking of screws. It is a randomized control study where eligible patients will receive one of the two treatments for two months, followed by a switch to the alternate treatment for another two months, continuing this pattern until all participants are enrolled. The primary focus is on assessing the radiographic outcomes related to fracture shortening and collapse. This approach aims to determine the effectiveness of static locking in preventing complications associated with hip fractures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical techniques that reduce complications and enhance recovery for patients with hip fractures.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of cephalomedullary nailing is established, the specific approach of statically locking screws has not been extensively studied, making this a novel investigation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients \>18 years of age * AO/OTA 31-A fractures who the surgeon deems eligible for treatment with a cephalomedullary nail * Open and closed fractures * Ambulatory prior to injury (with or without walking aides) * Native (non-fractured, no implant) contralateral hip * Willing and able to sign consent (substitute decision maker) Exclusion Criteria: * Contralateral hip fracture or hip arthroplasty * Fracture not amenable to treatment with a cephalomedullary nail * Non-ambulatory patient * Fractures \>14 days (time of injury to OR) * Bilateral pertrochanteric hip fractures * Non-unions * Pathologic fractures * Periprosthetic fractures * Patients with spinal injury * Incarceration * Pregnancy * Limited life expectancy due to significant medical co-morbidities or medical contra-indications to surgery * Likely problems, in the judgement of the investigators, with maintaining follow-up (i.e., patients with no fixed address, report a plan to move out of town, or intellectually challenged patients without adequate family support).
Where it's running
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Royal Columbian Hospital/Fraser Health Authority
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bertrand Perey, MD, FRCSC — Royal Columbian Hospital/Fraser Health Authority
- Study coordinator: Kyrsten Butterfield, BSc
- Email: kyrsten.butterfield@fraserhealth.ca
- Phone: 604-553-3247
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.