Knee replacement may offer faster recovery for seniors with thigh fractures
NCT ID NCT04076735
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two surgeries for a broken thigh bone near the knee in people aged 65 and older: replacing the damaged knee with an artificial joint (distal femoral replacement) or fixing the bone with plates and screws (ORIF). The goal is to see which approach leads to better function, less pain, and fewer complications. 140 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two procedures and followed for a year.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Distal femoral replacement (artificial knee) or surgical fixation with plates/screws
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that knee replacement allows faster recovery and fewer complications than standard fixation for older adults with a broken thigh bone.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial (140 people) and results may not apply to all patients. Both procedures carry risks like infection or implant failure, and the best option may depend on individual health.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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St Michael's Hospital - Unity Health Toronto
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Which surgery restores mobility best after a knee fracture?
- Knee break breakthrough? study tests best surgery for seniors
- Which surgery helps broken thigh bones heal better? new trial aims to find out
- Scientists examine which metal plates best fix broken thigh bones near the knee
- Two implants better than one for broken thigh bone in seniors?