Calcaneus FractureCALCFRONCT03572816
Heel-unloading Orthosis for Treatment of Calcaneus Fractures
A study testing Settner shoe in people with Calcaneus Fracture and Orthopedic Devices Associated With Misadventures, run by University of Southern Denmark at 1 site in Denmark.
Trial summary
Treatment of acute calcaneus fractures includes non- or partial weight bearing, but protocols are different and often not very specific. In fact, there are no studies published comparing different procedures or special supporting devices. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Calcaneus Fracture, Orthopedic Devices Associated With Misadventures
- What is being tested?
- Settner shoe
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteDenmark
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2018to 31 Dec 2021
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Fracture of the calcaneus, which is classifiable according to the Sanders' classification (excludes avulsion fractures)
- Being able to understand Danish or English and answer the questionnaires
- Informed consent
Who cannot join
- Pathological fractures
- Immature skeletal system
- Other fractures with influence on weight-bearing
- A soft-tissue situation not allowing the equipment with a 'Settner shoe' within 3 weeks after treatment (either decision-making for non-operative therapy or open reduction and internal fixation)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Denmark1 site
University Hospital Odense
Odense, Region Syddanmark, 5000
Hagen Schmal, Prof, +45 2942 8705, hagen.schmal@rsyd.dk
Lasse Pedersen, MD, +45 6541 3560, Lasse.Pedersen@rsyd.dk
About this study
Official title: The Effect of a Heel-unloading Orthosis in Short-term Treatment of Calcaneus Fractures on Physical Function, Quality of Life and Return to Work - a Randomized Controlled Trial
Treatment of acute calcaneus fractures includes non- or partial weight bearing, but protocols are different and often not very specific. In fact, there are no studies published comparing different procedures or special supporting devices. Recently, a heel-unloading orthosis ('Settner shoe') was introduced, allowing walking by shifting the load to the middle- and forefoot. Specifically in calcaneus fractures, early regain of physical activity has been highlighted as one of the key factors for quality of life and the ability to return to work. Thus, the investigators hypothesize that mobilization with the 'Settner shoe' results in higher physical activity within the first 3 months and secondly improves ability to return to work in calcaneus fracture patients aged 18-60 years.
Read the detailed description
In the past decades, the scientific focus regarding calcaneus fractures was the choice of operative or non-operative treatment modality. Although the evidence is ambiguous, recent meta-analyses suggest that operative therapy is associated with a higher likelihood to resume pre-injury work, to reach a higher level of physical function and fewer problems when wearing shoes. However, non-operative therapy has significant less complications and infections. Typically, aftercare includes non- or partial weight bearing, but protocols are different and often not very specific. In fact, there are no studies published comparing different procedures or special supporting devices. Recently, a heel-unloading orthosis ('Settner shoe') was introduced in aftercare for calcaneus fractures, allowing walking by shifting the load to the middle- and forefoot. This orthosis does not only enable early mobilization of patients suffering one-sided fractures, but also permits going following two-sided fractures, avoiding the otherwise necessary wheel-chair mobilization. The 'Settner shoe' can be applied in non-operative therapy and following operations. Specifically in calcaneus fractures, early regain of physical activity has been highlighted as one of the key factors for quality of life and the ability to return to work. Thus, the investigators hypothesize that mobilization with the 'Settner shoe' results in higher physical activity within the first 3 months and secondly improves ability to return to work in calcaneus fracture patients aged 18-60 years. Further outcome criteria are the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot assessment, a 3-dimensional gait analysis, and the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. It is the first trail applying a standardized aftercare in patients suffering from calcaneus fractures aiming to improve the non-operative part of treatment. Furthermore, the trial clarifies, whether the economical effort for the equipment acquisition is scientifically justified.
The investigators hypothesize that mobilization with the 'Settner shoe' results in higher physical activity within the first 3 months after calcaneus fractures.
Research questions
Does the application of a heel-unloading orthosis ('Settner shoe') independent of operative or non-operative therapy of a calcaneus fracture improve:
- the physical activity (active minutes per day)?
- the quality of life (EQ-5D-3L)?
- the foot function (AOFAS)?
- the time necessary for return to work in patients between 18 and 60 years?
- Being tested
- Settner shoe
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Settner shoeDevice
custom-made heel-unloading orthosis ('Settner shoe') in aftercare of calcaneus fractures (used according to manufacturer), certified 'CE' product with more than 10 years experience
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Current standard | No intervention | * mobilization without weight bearing for 6 weeks starting with the day of either decision-making for non-operative therapy or open reduction and internal fixation, if needed a cast or another kind of orthosis as a Static Walker are applied, then 4 weeks 15-20 kg, 2 weeks 35-45 kg, after that transition to full-weight bearing (always only if possible) * X-ray after 6 and 12 weeks; depending on the results, the schedule for weight bearing may be adjusted to the need in case of delayed healing or complications related to implants |
| Intervention | Experimental | * mobilization with the custom-made heel-unloading orthosis ('Settner shoe') without pads for 6 weeks, then 2 weeks one pad, 2 weeks 2 pads, 2 weeks 3 pads, after that full-weight bearing without any support (always only if possible)
* X-ray after 6 and 12 weeks; depending on the results, the schedule for weight bearing may be adjusted to the need in case of delayed healing or complications related to implants Receives: Device: Settner shoe |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
activity
the number of active minutes per day
Measured: 3 months
Secondary outcomes (3)
QoL
the EuroQol 5D-3L questionnaire following
Measured: 3 months
QoL
the EuroQol 5D-3L questionnaire following
Measured: 6 months
activity
the number of active minutes per day
Measured: 6 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Jun 2018
- Study start1 Aug 2018 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Jan 2021 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2021 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Calcaneus FractureStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of Southern DenmarkThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- The study design is a parallel group, randomized controlled trial with open allocation including all patients with calcaneus fractures independent of kind of initial therapy.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Southern Denmark
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Hagen Schmal, Prof, Principal investigator, University Hospital Odense, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03572816
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- S-20170219
- Acronym
- CALCFRO
- Status last verified
- Jun 2018
- First submitted
- 28 May 2018
- Last updated
- 28 Jun 2018
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: There is no plan, may come.
Publications
Bruce J, Sutherland A. Surgical versus conservative interventions for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jan 31;(1):CD008628. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008628.pub2.
PubMed 23440830EuroQol Group. EuroQol--a new facility for the measurement of health-related quality of life. Health Policy. 1990 Dec;16(3):199-208. doi: 10.1016/0168-8510(90)90421-9.
PubMed 10109801Sanders R. Intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus: present state of the art. J Orthop Trauma. 1992;6(2):252-65. doi: 10.1097/00005131-199206000-00022. No abstract available.
PubMed 1602349Schmal H, Larsen AH, Froberg L, Erichsen JL, Madsen CF, Pedersen L. The effect of a heel-unloading orthosis in short-term treatment of calcaneus fractures on physical function, quality of life and return to work - study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2019 Jun 4;20(1):324. doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-3447-8.
PubMed 31164153
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Jun 2018. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of a Heel-unloading Orthosis in Short-term Treatment of Calcaneus Fractures on Physical Function, Quality of Life and Return to Work - a Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03572816
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CALCFRO / S-20170219
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Southern DenmarkUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2018 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jan 2021 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2021 (estimated)
- First posted
- 28 Jun 2018 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Treatment of acute calcaneus fractures includes non- or partial weight bearing, but protocols are different and often not very specific. In fact, there are no studies published comparing different procedures or special supporting devices. Recently, a heel-unloading orthosis ('Settner shoe') was introduced, allowing walking by shifting the load to the middle- and forefoot. Specifically in calcaneus fractures, early regain of physical activity has been highlighted as one of the key factors for quality of life and the ability to return to work. Thus, the investigators hypothesize that mobilization with the 'Settner shoe' results in higher physical activity within the first 3 months and secondly improves ability to return to work in calcaneus fracture patients aged 18-60 years.
Detailed description
In the past decades, the scientific focus regarding calcaneus fractures was the choice of operative or non-operative treatment modality. Although the evidence is ambiguous, recent meta-analyses suggest that operative therapy is associated with a higher likelihood to resume pre-injury work, to reach a higher level of physical function and fewer problems when wearing shoes. However, non-operative therapy has significant less complications and infections. Typically, aftercare includes non- or partial weight bearing, but protocols are different and often not very specific. In fact, there are no studies published comparing different procedures or special supporting devices. Recently, a heel-unloading orthosis ('Settner shoe') was introduced in aftercare for calcaneus fractures, allowing walking by shifting the load to the middle- and forefoot. This orthosis does not only enable early mobilization of patients suffering one-sided fractures, but also permits going following two-sided fractures, avoiding the otherwise necessary wheel-chair mobilization. The 'Settner shoe' can be applied in non-operative therapy and following operations. Specifically in calcaneus fractures, early regain of physical activity has been highlighted as one of the key factors for quality of life and the ability to return to work. Thus, the investigators hypothesize that mobilization with the 'Settner shoe' results in higher physical activity within the first 3 months and secondly improves ability to return to work in calcaneus fracture patients aged 18-60 years. Further outcome criteria are the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot assessment, a 3-dimensional gait analysis, and the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. It is the first trail applying a standardized aftercare in patients suffering from calcaneus fractures aiming to improve the non-operative part of treatment. Furthermore, the trial clarifies, whether the economical effort for the equipment acquisition is scientifically justified.
The investigators hypothesize that mobilization with the 'Settner shoe' results in higher physical activity within the first 3 months after calcaneus fractures.
Research questions
Does the application of a heel-unloading orthosis ('Settner shoe') independent of operative or non-operative therapy of a calcaneus fracture improve:
- the physical activity (active minutes per day)?
- the quality of life (EQ-5D-3L)?
- the foot function (AOFAS)?
- the time necessary for return to work in patients between 18 and 60 years?
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- The study design is a parallel group, randomized controlled trial with open allocation including all patients with calcaneus fractures independent of kind of initial therapy.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Current standard | No intervention | –* mobilization without weight bearing for 6 weeks starting with the day of either decision-making for non-operative therapy or open reduction and internal fixation, if needed a cast or another kind of orthosis as a Static Walker are applied, then 4 weeks 15-20 kg, 2 weeks 35-45 kg, after that transition to full-weight bearing (always only if possible) * X-ray after 6 and 12 weeks; depending on the results, the schedule for weight bearing may be adjusted to the need in case of delayed healing or complications related to implants |
| Intervention | Experimental | Device: Settner shoe* mobilization with the custom-made heel-unloading orthosis ('Settner shoe') without pads for 6 weeks, then 2 weeks one pad, 2 weeks 2 pads, 2 weeks 3 pads, after that full-weight bearing without any support (always only if possible) * X-ray after 6 and 12 weeks; depending on the results, the schedule for weight bearing may be adjusted to the need in case of delayed healing or complications related to implants |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Fracture of the calcaneus, which is classifiable according to the Sanders' classification (excludes avulsion fractures)
- Being able to understand Danish or English and answer the questionnaires
- Informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Pathological fractures
- Immature skeletal system
- Other fractures with influence on weight-bearing
- A soft-tissue situation not allowing the equipment with a 'Settner shoe' within 3 weeks after treatment (either decision-making for non-operative therapy or open reduction and internal fixation)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Settner shoecustom-made heel-unloading orthosis ('Settner shoe') in aftercare of calcaneus fractures (used according to manufacturer), certified 'CE' product with more than 10 years experience | Device | Intervention |
Primary outcome
activity
Time frame: 3 months
the number of active minutes per day
3 secondary outcomes
QoL
Time frame: 3 months
QoL
Time frame: 6 months
activity
Time frame: 6 months
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Jun 2018.
- Background: PubMed 23440830Bruce J, Sutherland A. Surgical versus conservative interventions for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jan 31;(1):CD008628. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008628.pub2.
- Background: PubMed 10109801EuroQol Group. EuroQol--a new facility for the measurement of health-related quality of life. Health Policy. 1990 Dec;16(3):199-208. doi: 10.1016/0168-8510(90)90421-9.
- Background: PubMed 1602349Sanders R. Intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus: present state of the art. J Orthop Trauma. 1992;6(2):252-65. doi: 10.1097/00005131-199206000-00022. No abstract available.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 31164153Schmal H, Larsen AH, Froberg L, Erichsen JL, Madsen CF, Pedersen L. The effect of a heel-unloading orthosis in short-term treatment of calcaneus fractures on physical function, quality of life and return to work - study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2019 Jun 4;20(1):324. doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-3447-8.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. There is no plan, may come.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Hagen Schmal, Prof principal investigator
University Hospital Odense, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Settner shoe in people with Calcaneus Fracture and Orthopedic Devices Associated With Misadventures, run by University of Southern Denmark at 1 site in Denmark.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Jun 2018. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Denmark. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Hagen Schmal, Prof (+45 2942 8705, hagen.schmal@rsyd.dk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
activity (time frame: 3 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03572816, which also lists 4 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Jun 2018; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.