Surgeon-driven bone health referral for patients having lower limb joint replacement

The Impact of a Surgeon-Initiated Bone Health Referral Pathway on Implant-Related Complications in Patients With Osteoporosis Undergoing Lower Extremity Arthroplasty

Not applicable Interventional Johns Hopkins University · NCT05845021

This study is testing if sending patients with osteoporosis to a bone health specialist before getting lower limb joint replacement surgery can help reduce fractures and complications compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbia, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05845021 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a surgeon-initiated bone health referral pathway for patients with osteoporosis undergoing lower extremity arthroplasty. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group, which receives a referral to endocrinology for specialized care, or the control group, which follows standard care with their primary care provider. The study aims to compare rates of fragility fractures and implant-related complications between the two groups. By analyzing outcomes, the researchers hope to determine if the specialized referral pathway improves patient care and reduces complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 50 years old with a DEXA-confirmed diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Not a fit: Patients with a prior diagnosis or treatment for osteoporosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved bone health management and reduced complications for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that specialized referral pathways can improve patient outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \>50
* DEXA-confirmed diagnosis of osteoporosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior diagnosis of osteoporosis
* Prior treatment for osteoporosis

Where this trial is running

Columbia, Maryland

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.
Conditions OsteoporosisArthroplasty ComplicationsFragility Fracture
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.