RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

MAPT Protocol: Fixation Versus Arthroplasty Surgical Treatments for Early Recovery After HIP Fracture (FASTER-HIP)

This research, called FASTER-HIP, is looking at the best way to treat a specific type of broken hip called a 'femoral neck fracture' in people aged 60 and above. Doctors are comparing two common surgical methods: hip arthroplasty (which is like a partial or total hip replacement) and internal fixation (where screws or plates are used to hold the bone together). The main goal is to find out if one method leads to better recovery, fewer problems, a longer life, and more time out of hospital within 4 and 12 months after surgery. This is part of a larger project designed to help doctors make better decisions about treatments for bone and muscle conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Southern California

Enrolment target

600

Start

23 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2030

Femoral Neck Fractures

What is this study about?

When older adults break their hip, especially in a part called the femoral neck, doctors often have to decide between two main types of surgery. One option is called 'internal fixation,' where they use special screws or plates to connect the broken pieces of bone and help them heal. The other option is 'hip arthroplasty,' which means replacing part or all of the hip joint, similar to a hip replacement. This study wants to find out which of these two widespread surgeries works best for patients.

At the moment, internal fixation is often the go-to choice for these types of breaks because it seems simpler to do. However, some patients who have internal fixation later need another operation or don't recover as well as hoped. Recent information suggests that a hip replacement, even for these less severe breaks, might actually lead to better results, such as patients being able to walk better, having fewer complications, and living longer. But we need more clear evidence to be sure.

That's why this study, FASTER-HIP, is so important. It's designed to properly compare these two treatments. By carefully looking at how people recover after each type of surgery, doctors hope to get a clear answer. This will help them decide which operation offers the best chance for older people to get back on their feet and have the best possible quality of life after a hip fracture.

Key takeaways

This study compares two common hip fracture surgeries: hip replacement and fixing the bone with screws/plates.
It's for people aged 60 and older with a specific type of less severe hip break.
The goal is to find out which surgery leads to better recovery, fewer problems, and longer life.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two standard treatments.
The study monitors recovery for up to a year after surgery.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would typically need to be 60 years old or older and have a specific type of hip fracture called a 'minimally displaced femoral neck fracture.' This means the break isn't too severe and the bone pieces are still fairly close together. Doctors would need to be able to treat your fracture with either a hip replacement or pins and plates.

You might not be able to join if you have other health issues that mean either of the two surgical options wouldn't be safe or suitable for you. Also, if you have a serious illness that means you're not expected to live for at least another year, or if you have an infection around your hip, you wouldn't be able to take part. Other reasons for not being eligible include being in prison, having certain other injuries, or if doctors think it would be difficult to keep in touch with you for follow-up appointments.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 60 years old or older?
Do you have a recent, less severe break in the neck of your thigh bone (femur)?
Can doctors treat your fracture using either a partial hip replacement or by fixing it with screws/plates?
Do you have good general health, and are you expected to live for at least another year?
Do you have no active infection around your hip?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you agree to take part, you'll be randomly assigned to receive either hip arthroplasty (a type of hip replacement) or internal fixation (screws/plates to fix the bone). This decision is made by chance, like flipping a coin, to ensure a fair comparison. Both surgeries are standard treatments for this type of fracture.

After your surgery, the study will involve assessing your recovery over time. This includes checking things like your ability to walk, your general health, and how much time you spend in and out of the hospital. These checks will happen at regular intervals for up to a year after your surgery. You won't be given any new medications that aren't already part of standard care, and the goal is to see how well you recover from whichever surgery you receive.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially benefit you by ensuring you receive what is considered the most effective surgery for your specific hip fracture, based on the study's findings, though which treatment is ultimately better is what the study aims to discover. You'll receive careful monitoring of your recovery. As with any surgery, there are potential risks regardless of which treatment you receive, including infection, blood clots, or needing further surgery. The study itself won't add extra risks beyond those of standard surgical care, as both treatments are already common practice. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (16)

University of California, Irvine
Verified postcode
Irvine, United States· Recruiting
Los Angeles General Medical Center
Verified postcode
Los Angeles, United States· Recruiting
University of Southern California
Verified postcode
Los Angeles, United States· Recruiting
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Verified postcode
Los Angeles, United States· Recruiting
Indiana University
Verified postcode
Bloomington, United States· Recruiting
University of Maryland, Baltimore - R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
Verified postcode
Baltimore, United States· Recruiting
University of Maryland Capital Region Health
Verified postcode
Largo, United States· Recruiting
University of Mississippi
Verified postcode
University, United States· Recruiting
University of Cincinnati
Verified postcode
Cincinnati, United States· Recruiting
Prisma Health-Upstate
Verified postcode
Greenville, United States· Recruiting
Vanderbilt University
Verified postcode
Nashville, United States· Recruiting
University of Utah
Verified postcode
Salt Lake City, United States· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'femoral neck fracture'?

It's a common type of broken hip, specifically a break in the narrow part of the thigh bone (femur) just below the ball of the hip joint.

What is the difference between 'hip arthroplasty' and 'internal fixation'?

Hip arthroplasty is a partial or full hip replacement. Internal fixation uses metal screws, plates, or rods to hold the broken bone pieces together so they can heal naturally.

Why is this study only for people aged 60 and over?

This type of hip fracture is most common in older adults, and their bones and recovery can be different from younger people, so the study focuses on this age group.

Will I get to choose which surgery I have?

No, if you join this study, the type of surgery you receive will be decided by chance (randomly assigned) to ensure the study results are fair and unbiased.

What does 'minimally displaced' mean?

It means the broken pieces of your hip bone are still fairly close together and haven't moved too far out of position.

How to find out more

Joseph Patterson, MD

orthotraumaresearch@med.usc.edu +13234426984 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.