Weight-bearing of Surgically Treated Acetabular Fractures.
Finland50 participantsStarted 2024-05
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether patients with operatively treated acetabular fractures benefit from early weight-bearing as tolerated. The study compares two groups ( n = 25 each), which are randomised into either weight-bearing as tolerated or touch-down weight-bearing for 6-8 weeks postoperatively.
Both study groups are stratified according to
* Type of fracture (anterior approach vs anterior + additional posterior approach)
* Dislocated dome vs non-dislocated/ non existing separate dome fragment
Patients, who are eligible to participate in the trial but choose not to participate in randomisation are asked to enrol in a prospective cohort follow-up cohort. This is to examine a potential participation bias in the RCT groups. These patients will not be counted into the target amount of 50 RCT patients.
Who can participate
Age range
60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Unilateral dislocated acetabulum fracture (displacement of over 2mm in preoperative CT scan)
* The osteosynthesis is performed during 21 days after initial trauma
* The patient is willing to participate in the follow-up
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unwillingness to participate in randomisation
* Bilateral fracture
* Letournel \& Judet type Both column or Posterior column and wall fractures
* Any other injury that prevents the patient from partial weight bearing
* Open fracture of the acetabulum
* Pathologic fracture (fragility fractures are not an exclusion criteria)
* Prior functional disability in the pelvis or lower extremity
* Non-Compliance due to dementia or other mental disability
* Prior daily pain medication due to hip-pain
* Unwillingness to accept one of the two mobilisation protocols
* Prior hip replacement on injured side
* BMI \> 40
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.