Comparing two surgical methods for treating distal femur fractures
Official title: Evaluation of the Management of Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures and Native Knee Distal Femur Fractures, Comparing Open Reduction Internal Fixation With Distal Femur Replacement, a Prospective Cohort Study
Run by University of Florida · NCT05792189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing which of two surgical methods works better for helping older patients recover from specific knee fractures after they've had knee replacement surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 12, 2023 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05792189 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking patients aged 55 and older with specific types of periprosthetic femur fractures requiring surgical intervention.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active infections, open fractures, or those unable to undergo surgery 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 study evaluates the outcomes of two surgical approaches for treating supracondylar femur periprosthetic fractures in patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty. It compares Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with Distal Femur Replacement (DFR) to determine which method yields better recovery metrics, such as mobility and knee function. The study will prospectively assess patients aged 55 and older who meet specific criteria and will measure outcomes using the Timed Up and Go Test and KOOS Jr score. The goal is to provide clearer guidance on the best surgical intervention for these complex fractures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and recovery for patients with distal femur fractures following knee arthroplasty.
How similar studies have gone: While several small retrospective studies have explored this topic, this is the first prospective study aimed at directly comparing these two surgical methods.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking patients * 55 years or older with Su Type II or Su Type III periprosthetic femur fractures or OTA/OA 33C or 338/3 native knee distal femur fracturing requiring surgical intervention and are medically fit to undergo surgical intervention Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with an active total knee prosthetic infection * Patients unable to undergo surgical intervention * Patient with an open fracture * Non-English-speaking patients * Oncologic/pathologic fracture * Poly-trauma patient (or other associated major orthopaedic injuries)
Where it's running
-
UF & Shands Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute
Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Matthew Patrick, MD
- Email: patrimr@ortho.ufl.edu
- Phone: 352-273-7188
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Carbon‑fiber lateral plate versus plate-and-nail repair for distal femur fractures
This trial will see if a carbon-fiber (CarboFix) lateral femur plate leads to fewer non-unions than the standard plate-plus-nail repair in adults having surgery for a distal femur fracture.
-
Comparing knee joint replacement to surgical fixation for elderly patients with distal femur fractures
This study is testing whether total knee joint replacement or surgical fixation works better for older patients with broken thigh bones near their knee to help them feel less pain and improve their daily activities.
-
Comparing knee replacement to surgical fixation for elderly patients with distal femur fractures
This study is trying to see if knee replacement or surgical fixation works better for older patients with certain types of thigh bone fractures.
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.