Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 60

Comparison of two approaches for tibial nail surgery

Official title: Comparison of Functional Recovery Following Medial Parapatellar and Transpatellar Approaches for Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fractures

Run by Allama Iqbal Medical College · NCT07761780 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether choosing the medial parapatellar or the transpatellar approach during intramedullary nailing leads to better recovery for adults with tibial shaft fractures.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment56 (estimated)
SponsorAllama Iqbal Medical College
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 8, 2026
Main results expectedOctober 8, 2026
Study endsOctober 10, 2026
Registry record updatedAugust 14, 2026
Trial IDNCT07761780 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18–60 with acute tibial shaft fractures (Gustilo-Anderson I–IIIA) eligible for intramedullary nailing and able to consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients with osteoporosis, significant systemic conditions, prior tibia surgery, or neurovascular injury may have limited benefit.

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

What this trial studies

This randomized trial compares two surgical approaches for intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures. Adults aged 18 to 60 with acute tibial shaft fractures are assigned to either the medial parapatellar or the transpatellar approach, with all procedures performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons. Primary outcome is functional recovery measured by the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS); secondary outcomes include postoperative pain and knee motion. The study aims to determine if one approach yields superior knee function and overall recovery after surgery. Participants are followed under standardized operative and postoperative protocols at a single center in Lahore, Pakistan.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could clarify which surgical approach supports faster or more complete knee and leg recovery after tibial nailing.

How similar studies have gone: Previous comparative studies have shown mixed results; this trial provides a direct, randomized comparison in a defined patient group.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 to 60 years, irrespective of sex.
* Patients with an acute tibial shaft fracture confirmed by radiographic examination.
* Gustilo-Anderson type I, II, or IIIA open fractures.
* Patients who are eligible for intramedullary interlocking nailing according to the treating orthopedic surgeon.
* Patients willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous fracture or surgery involving the affected tibia.
* Osteoporosis or other conditions significantly affecting bone healing.
* Diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, autoimmune disorders, or other systemic conditions that may adversely affect bone healing or postoperative recovery.
* Neurovascular injury involving the affected limb.

Where it's running

  • Jinnah Hospital Lahore
    Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.