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Arthroplasty Versus Internal Fixation for Undisplaced Femoral Neck Fracture

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Femoral Neck Fractures
Undisplaced Fracture
Internal Fixation; Complications
Arthroplasty Complications
Interventions
Procedure: Arthroplasty
Procedure: Internal fixation
Registration Number
NCT04075461
Lead Sponsor
University of Southern Denmark
Brief Summary

This is the world's first national orthopedic randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 19 out of 21 departments in Denmark. Each year, 7,000 patients suffer a hip fracture. This is a severe condition leading to 25% mortality after 1 year and 40% do not recover to the same functional level. The aim is to compare two surgical treatment methods (metal fixation versus artificial hip) in patients above 65 years with an undisplaced femoral neck fracture. The hypothesis is that even though an artificial hip is a larger surgical procedure than metal fixation of the broken bone, the artificial hip is more stable with less pain due the lack of a healing broken bone and therefore leads to a better and quicker mobilization after surgery. Better mobilization is one of the most important factors for decreasing mortality. We have chosen a pragmatic RCT design by using the local departmental implants. We hope that the knowledge from this study will therefore easily be implemented afterwards.

Detailed Description

This is the world's first national orthopedic randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 20 out of 21 departments in Denmark. The aim is to compare two surgical treatment methods (internal fixation (IF) versus arthroplasty) in patients above 65 years with an undisplaced femoral neck fracture (FNF).

Each year, 7,000 patients suffer a hip fracture. This is a severe condition leading to 25% mortality after 1 year and 40% do not recover to the same functional level. Undisplaced FNF is treated with internal fixation in order to aid in fracture healing. However, approximately 10% in Denmark will suffer a reoperation and two RCT's have demonstrated 20-21% reoperations. In comparison, the reoperation frequency was 5-7% for arthroplasty that also demonstrated slightly faster mobilization which is one of the most important factors for decreasing mortality. The hypothesis is therefore that even though arthroplasty is a larger surgery they benefit from the lack of fracture healing, less pain and faster mobilization.

Patients are included in the emergency department and are electronically randomized to either IF or arthroplasty before the surgery. The design is a pragmatic RCT using the implants which are available in the departments. Furthermore, the postoperative treatment protocol is "business as usual" thereby investigating the precise effect of the intervention in real clinical conditions. In addition to a great external validity this allows for easy implemented after study results. The primary outcome is a validated functional score 1 year after surgery and the sample size is calculated to 330 patients. Secondary outcome measures are additional functional assessments and questionnaires, health related quality of life and pain assessment.

We have set up a steering committee consisting of researchers and senior surgeons with a representative from each region. In addition, all but 1 hospital has a representative in project group. The project is therefore anchored in the entire Denmark.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
330
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age ≥ 65 years old
  • Undisplaced femoral neck fracture
  • Posterior tilt (18) less than 20 degrees
  • NMS (13) = 5 and above, indicating an ability to walk
  • Cognitive intact in order to achieve informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • The fracture is pathological
  • The patient does not speak Danish

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Undisplaced FNF + ArthroplastyArthroplastyArthroplasty is the typical surgery for a displaced femoral neck fracture
Undisplaced FNF + Internal fixationInternal fixationInternal fixation is the typical surgery for an undisplaced femoral neck fracture
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
New Mobility Score (NMS)12 months

NMS score the level of function with a score from 0-9 points. The best score is 9 points.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
MortalityWithin 1 year after surgery

Mortality

EuroQol 5 domain 5 level (EQ-5D-5L)Admission, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.

Health related quality of life assessment with a score from 0-1 point. The best score is 1 point

ReoperationWithin 1 year after surgery

New surgery in relation to the primary surgery

Pain Verbal Rating Scale (VRS)Admission, 2 and 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months

Patient reported outcome of pain assessment

Oxford Hip Score (OHS)Admission, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.

Specific hip function questionnaire with a score from 0-48 points. The best score is 48 points.

New Mobility Score (NMS)Admission, 3 and 6 months

NMS score the level of function with a score from 0-9 points. The best score is 9 points.

Trial Locations

Locations (18)

Bispebjerg Hospital

🇩🇰

Copenhagen, Denmark

Randers Regional Hospital

🇩🇰

Randers, Denmark

Slagelse Hospital

🇩🇰

Slagelse, Denmark

Nykøbing Falster Hospital

🇩🇰

Nykøbing Falster, Denmark

Hospital of Southern Jutland

🇩🇰

Aabenraa, Denmark

Aalborg University Hospital

🇩🇰

Aalborg, Denmark

Aarhus University Hospital

🇩🇰

Aarhus, Denmark

Hvidovre Hospital

🇩🇰

Copenhagen, Denmark

North Denmark Regional Hospital

🇩🇰

Hjørring, Denmark

Regional Hospital West Jutland

🇩🇰

Gødstrup, Denmark

Herlev Hospital

🇩🇰

Copenhagen, Denmark

Hospital of North Zealand

🇩🇰

Hillerød, Denmark

Holbæk Hospital

🇩🇰

Holbæk, Denmark

Lillebaelt Hospital

🇩🇰

Kolding, Denmark

Zealand University Hospital

🇩🇰

Køge, Denmark

Bornholm Hospital

🇩🇰

Rønne, Denmark

Odense University Hospital

🇩🇰

Odense, Denmark

Viborg Regional Hospital

🇩🇰

Viborg, Denmark

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