Comparing Total Hip Arthroplasty and Hemi-Arthroplasty on Secondary Procedures and Quality of Life in Adults With Displaced Hip Fractures — HEALTH  

Hip Fractures Clinical Trial

Official title: Hip Fracture Evaluation With Alternatives of Total Hip Arthroplasty Versus Hemi-Arthroplasty: A Multi-Centre Randomized Trial Comparing Total Hip Arthroplasty and Hemi-Arthroplasty on Secondary Procedures and Quality of Life in Patients With Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Each year, hip fracture, an injury that can impair independence and quality of life, occurs in about 280,000 Americans and 36,000 Canadians. By the year 2040, the annual healthcare costs associated with hip fractures are expected to reach $9.8 billion in the United States and $650 million in Canada. It is important to have in place optimal practice guidelines for the surgical handling of this injury. One type of hip fracture, called a displaced femoral neck fracture, is often treated with a hip replacement surgery. Patients undergoing a hip replacement may receive either a total hip replacement, in which the head of the femur and the hip joint socket are replaced, or a partial hip replacement, in which only the head of the femur is replaced. This study will compare the two different hip replacement procedures to determine which one results in better outcomes after surgery in adults aged 50 and older.

Clinical Trial Description

One type of hip fracture, called a femoral neck fracture, involves a break in the narrow part of the femur bone where the head of the femur is joined to the main shaft. The break can be either undisplaced, which involves very little separation at the fracture site, or displaced, in which there is substantial separation. For displaced fractures, surgeons usually choose between internal fixation and hip arthroplasty, which is also known as hip replacement.

Patients receiving hip arthroplasty may undergo either a total hip arthroplasty or a hemi-arthroplasty. Which surgical method is best for the patient is unknown. Advocates of total hip replacement claim better improvements in patient function and quality of life. On the other hand, advocates of hemi-arthroplasty, which include most orthopaedic surgeons, claim reduced rates of dislocation and deep vein thrombosis, shorter operating times, less blood loss, and a technically less demanding surgical procedure. This study will compare total hip arthroplasty and hemi-arthroplasty on rates of revision surgery 2 years after patients aged 50 and older sustain femoral neck fractures and undergo surgery. The study will also compare the impact of the two different surgical procedures on function, quality of life, and post-surgical complications. Results from this study may impact current orthopaedic practice.

Participation in this study will last 2 years. Before surgery, participants will complete a baseline assessment that will include x-rays, a medical history review, and a physical examination. Participants will then be randomly assigned to undergo either total hip arthroplasty or hemi-arthroplasty to repair their hip fractures. All surgeons will need to meet certain criteria to partake in the study and will have expertise in whichever surgical procedure they are performing. Surgeons will also follow the manufacturers' implant guidelines during surgery. Specific aspects of both the preoperative and post-operative care, such as weight bearing status, the prevention of thromboembolic disease, and the use of antibiotics and calcium supplementation, will be standardized for all participants. Within 2 days of under going surgery, x-rays will be performed again.

Follow-up assessments will be completed either by phone or in-person at the hospital or clinic. They will occur 1 and 10 weeks after surgery and 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. All assessments will include questionnaires and interviews on health status, hip function, pain, functional mobility, and revision surgery. Some of the in-person assessments will also include x-rays. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Femoral Neck Fractures
• Fractures, Bone
• Hip Fractures

• NCT number: NCT00556842
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: McMaster University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: March 2009
• Completion date: May 30, 2019