Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 40 to 80

Surgical treatment for limping after hip replacement using Achilles tendon

Official title: Achilles Tendon Homograft for the Treatment of Gluteus Medius Insufficiency After Hip Replacement

Run by Sahlgrenska University Hospital · NCT05206838 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if using a piece of Achilles tendon to fix the gluteus medius can help people who still limp after hip replacement feel better compared to just doing physical therapy.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment44 (estimated)
SponsorSahlgrenska University Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Mölndal)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 29, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 2027
Study endsDecember 2028
Registry record updatedApril 8, 2025
Trial IDNCT05206838 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals who have persistent limping and a positive Trendelenburg sign for at least 12 months following total hip arthroplasty.

Probably not a fit

Patients with neuromuscular disorders 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 effectiveness of surgical reconstruction of the gluteus medius using an Achilles tendon allograft for patients experiencing residual limping after total hip arthroplasty. It compares the outcomes of this surgical approach with non-surgical treatment combined with physiotherapy. The hypothesis is that the surgical intervention will lead to improved hip function and reduced limping compared to non-surgical methods. Patients will be monitored for hip function and any adverse events following the procedures.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve mobility and quality of life for patients suffering from limping after hip replacement.

How similar studies have gone: While similar surgical approaches have been explored, this specific use of Achilles tendon allograft for gluteus medius insufficiency is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Persisting limping with positive Trendelenburg's sign for at least 12 months after total hip arthroplasty
* Rupture/avulsion of the gluteus medius tendon verified with ultrasound or MRI
* Leg length discrepancy of less than 1 cm
* Femoral offset discrepancy of less than 25%

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neuromuscular disorders

Where it's running

  • Sahlgrenska University Hospital
    Mölndal, Sweden
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Georgios Tsikandylakis, MD, PhD — Sahlgrenska University Hospital

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.