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Tibial FracturesNCT03861624

Intramedullary Nailing Versus External Fixation in Open Tibia Fractures in Tanzania

A study testing Intramedullary nailing with standard SIGN nail and External Fixation with uniplanar Dispofix external fixator in people with Tibial Fractures and Open Fracture of Tibia, run by University of California, San Francisco.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

The investigators propose to undertake a randomized, controlled trial which will generate Level 1 evidence concerning optimal fixation methods for the treatment of severe open tibia fractures in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Tibial Fractures, Open Fracture of Tibia, Trauma
What is being tested?
Intramedullary nailing with standard SIGN nail and External Fixation with uniplanar Dispofix external fixator
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
240 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
17 Dec 2015to 25 Mar 2017
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 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Skeletal maturity
  • AO/OTA 42 open tibia fractures
  • Wound primarily closeable (no flap or delay in closure due to contamination needed)
  • Palpable pedal pulses (no vascular injury sustained)
  • Presentation within 24 hours from injury

Who cannot join

  • Current injury is a pathologic fracture
  • Sustained bilateral tibia fracture
  • Sustained comminuted femur fracture
  • Sustained severe Traumatic Brain Injury (GCS<12) ***
  • Sustained severe spinal cord injury (lower extremity paresis/paralysis)
  • Sustained severe burns (>10% total body surface area (TBSA) or >5% TBSA with full thickness or circumferential injury)
Show all 9Show fewer
  • Prior ipsilateral leg injury requiring surgery
  • Prior or current lower limb deformity or abnormality
  • Unable to complete follow-up visits

About this study

Official title: Intramedullary Nailing Versus External Fixation in the Treatment of Open Tibia Fractures in Tanzania - Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

The investigators propose to undertake a randomized, controlled trial which will generate Level 1 evidence concerning optimal fixation methods for the treatment of severe open tibia fractures in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The investigators hope to determine the optimal management of severe open tibial fractures in Sub-Saharan Africa in order to reduce long-term disability, limit the economic impact of injury, and avoid resource costs of reoperation. The investigators plan to compare the all-cause reoperation rate for AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) Type 42 open tibial shaft fractures treated with initial intramedullary nailing versus external fixation at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to compare rates of secondary clinical endpoints including postoperative superficial and deep infection, clinical union, radiographic union, malunion, and health-related quality of life with minimum one year follow-up, and identify prognostic factors related to the patient, injury, or management protocol that impact the reoperation rate, return to work, and health-related quality of life.

Read the detailed description

The investigators conducted a prospective randomised controlled trial at a tertiary referral hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from December 17th, 2015 to March 25th, 2017. All open tibia fractures arriving at the hospital emergency room during the enrollment period were screened for inclusion in the study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are noted later in this submission.All patients who were eligible after clinical screening were offered enrollment in the study and subsequently completed written informed consent in either English or Swahili depending on the patient's preference. The investigation was approved by ethical review boards at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and the Tanzanian National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR).

All enrolled participants were taken to the operating room for initial irrigation and debridement using a standardized protocol aiming for debridement within 24 hours of hospital admission. Preoperative ceftriaxone was given as soon as possible after presentation to the emergency department. Following debridement, the primary surgeon determined if the wound was amenable to immediate or delayed primary closure. If amenable to primary closure, the patient was randomized by a site research coordinator to one of two treatments (Intramedullary nailing (IMN) or external fixation (EF))using a centralized web-based electronic randomization tool, Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). The study computer analyst developed the REDCap randomization module with input from senior authors. The REDCap randomization module incorporated block randomization to maintain equal patient distribution between each treatment group and to ensure allocation concealment.

Data from a pilot study at the site of our investigation informed sample size calculations, which showed reoperation rates of external fixation and intramedullary nailing of 38% versus 3.8%. However, with longer follow-up and more stringent criteria for a primary event, The investigators used a more conservative effect size of 20% compared to 5%. Using a power of 80% and alpha of 0.05, The investigators calculated the study would require 88 patients in each treatment group (176 total). Accounting for 20% loss to follow up, The investigators estimated a total sample size requirement of 240 patients (120 per group).

Data monitoring was completed by the adjudication committee at 6 month intervals throughout the study duration and prior to final analysis in December, 2018.

Being tested
Intramedullary nailing with standard SIGN nail, External Fixation with uniplanar Dispofix external fixator
Keywords
Tibia, Intramedullary nailing, External fixation, Trauma
Medical subject headings
Tibial Fractures, Wounds and Injuries

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Intramedullary nailing with standard SIGN nailProcedure or surgery

    Patients meeting eligibility requirements are randomized to either study arm. Patients receive definitive fixation of AO/OTA-42 open tibia diaphyseal fractures using the standard SIGN nail (SIGN Fracture Care International, Richland, WA). The number of interlocking screws is at the discretion of the treating surgeon, who also has the option to use an external fixator for damage control, and later conversion to IMN when clinically appropriate. The experimental group procedure is less common in the study setting, and thus, viewed as the experimental group.

  • External Fixation with uniplanar Dispofix external fixatorProcedure or surgery

    Patients meeting eligibility requirements are randomized to either study arm. Patients receive definitive fixation of AO/OTA-42 open tibia diaphyseal fractures using the uniplanar Dispofix external fixator with two Shanz screws placed proximally and two Schanz screws placed distally to fracture site with a single stainless steel bar.The active comparator group procedure is more common in the study setting, and thus, viewed as the comparator group.

Study groups in NCT03861624
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intramedullary nailingExperimentalPatients receive definitive fixation of AO/OTA-42 open tibia diaphyseal fractures via Intramedullary nailing with standard SIGN nail.
Receives: Procedure: Intramedullary nailing with standard SIGN nail
External FixationActive comparatorPatients receive definitive fixation of AO/OTA-42 open tibia diaphyseal fractures External Fixation with uniplanar Dispofix external fixator.
Receives: Procedure: External Fixation with uniplanar Dispofix external fixator

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Rate of composite, all-cause reoperation

    The use of composite outcomes has been validated in a wide range of clinical trials. Primary events included in the composite outcome include: infection or hematoma, bone grafting, implant conversion or exchange >6 weeks after index procedure, implant removal, dynamization of intramedullary nail, osteotomy, amputation.

    Measured: One year of definitive skeletal stabilization

Secondary outcomes (12)
  1. Rate of superficial infection

    As defined by center for disease control (CDC) surveillance definitions, to include pin tract infections and cellulitis which resolves with use of antibiotics and local wound care.

    Measured: Assessed at clinical follow-up appointments at 2, 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks

  2. Rate of deep infection

    As defined by CDC surveillance definitions, to include deep abscess or osteomyelitis.

    Measured: Assessed at clinical follow-up appointments at 2, 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks

  3. Number of participants with clinical nonunion

    Union of fracture healing will be assessed by absence of movement at fracture site and time to painless weight bearing. Non-union will be defined as fracture failure to heal beyond six months from date of injury.

    Measured: Assessed at clinical follow-up appointments at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks

  4. Number of participants with radiographic nonunion

    Radiographic union will be assessed using rate of callous formation and visibility of fracture line as measured by the Radiographic union score for tibia (RUST) score

    Measured: Assessed at clinical follow-up appointments at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks

  5. Number of participants with malunion

    Post-operative malalignment will be defined as leg length discrepancy (>1 cm shortening), angular malalignment (> 5 degrees sagittal or coronal angulation referenced contralateral leg radiographs, if non-injured), or malrotation (>10 degrees, determined by Foot-Thigh Angle).

    Measured: Assessed at clinical follow-up appointments at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks

  6. Number of participants with implant failure

    Implant failure will be defined as breakage or loosening of any implant component at bone-implant interface which necessitates re-operation.

    Measured: Assessed at clinical follow-up appointments at 2, 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks

  7. Health-related quality of life

    Health related quality of life measured by Euro Quality of Life-5 Dimension (EuroQoL-5D, EQ5D) Index.

    Contains 5 domains: Mobility, Self-Care, Usual activities, Pain/discomfort, Anxiety/depression Each domain contains 3 levels of health state pertaining to that level. Index score is calculated via weighted scores across each domain. Measured from 0 to 1 where 0 is equivalent to death and 1 is equivalent to perfect state of health.

    Measured: Assessed at 2, 6, 12, 26, and 52 week time point.

  8. Visual analogue pain score

    Visual analogue pain score represents a patient's current level of pain scored from 1-10 where 1 = no/minimal pain to 10 = worst possible pain.

    Measured: Assessed at 2, 6, 12, 26, and 52 week time point.

  9. Participant knee range of motion

    Includes:

    • Maximum knee extension/flexion as measured with a goniometer
    • Values are recorded in degrees from neutral/hyperextension to ≥ 30 by intervals of 5 degrees for maximum knee extension
    • Values are recorded in degrees from ≤30 degrees to ≥140 degrees by intervals of 10 degrees for maximum knee flexion

    Measured: Assessed at 6, 12, 26, and 52 week time point.

  10. Participant ankle range of motion

    Includes:

    • Maximum ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion as measured with a goniometer
    • Values are recorded in degrees from -15 degrees to >25 degrees by intervals of 5 degrees for maximum ankle dorsiflexion
    • Values are recorded in degrees from <10 degrees to >50 degrees by intervals of 10 degrees for maximum ankle plantarflexion

    Measured: Assessed at 6, 12, 26, and 52 week time point.

  11. Participant ability to perform Squat and Smile test

    The Squat and Smile test (S\&S) is a functional assessment of squatting ability used by SIGN Fracture Care International to quickly assess fracture healing.

    Squat depth is categorized by squat level: unable (1), above knee level (2), at knee level (3) or below knee level (4)

    -Values are scored from 1 to 4 where 1 is worst and 4 is best.

    Support component is categorized by: requiring both hands for support with squatting (1), one hand for support with squatting (2), or no hands for support with squatting (3) -Values are scored from 1 to 3 where 1 is worst and 3 is best

    Smile component is categorized into painful grimace (1), neutral expression (2), and smile (3) where painful grimace is worst and smile is best.

    -Values are scored from 1 to 3 where 1 is worst and 3 is best

    Each component is scored and evaluated individually as separate domains. There is no pooling of scores.

    Measured: Assessed at 6, 12, 26, and 52 week time point.

  12. Patient speed in completing walking speed test according to NIH 4 meter walking test

    Measures locomotion

    Participants walk 4 meters at their usual pace and complete one practice and two timed trials. Raw scores are recorded at the time in seconds required to walk four meters on each of the two trials with the better trial used as the final score.

    Measured: Assessed at 6, 12, 26, and 52 week time point.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Mar 2019
  2. Study start17 Dec 2015
  3. Primary completion25 Mar 2017
  4. Study completion25 Mar 2017

Resources

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
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
240 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03861624
Sponsor's protocol ID
14-14792
Status last verified
Jul 2022
First submitted
25 Feb 2019
Last updated
28 Jul 2022
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: The data for this study including deidentified participant data and a data dictionary will be made available upon request. The study protocol, statistical analysis plan, and informed consent forms will also be made available upon request. These data and documents will be available with publication. Data and document access can be granted through email correspondence with the corresponding author and will require a signed data access agreement.

Publications

  • Chandran A, Hyder AA, Peek-Asa C. The global burden of unintentional injuries and an agenda for progress. Epidemiol Rev. 2010;32(1):110-20. doi: 10.1093/epirev/mxq009. Epub 2010 Jun 22.

    PubMed 20570956
  • Patton GC, Coffey C, Sawyer SM, Viner RM, Haller DM, Bose K, Vos T, Ferguson J, Mathers CD. Global patterns of mortality in young people: a systematic analysis of population health data. Lancet. 2009 Sep 12;374(9693):881-92. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60741-8.

    PubMed 19748397
  • Mock C, Cherian MN. The global burden of musculoskeletal injuries: challenges and solutions. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2008 Oct;466(10):2306-16. doi: 10.1007/s11999-008-0416-z. Epub 2008 Aug 5.

    PubMed 18679760
  • Beveridge M, Howard A. The burden of orthopaedic disease in developing countries. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2004 Aug;86(8):1819-22. doi: 10.2106/00004623-200408000-00029.

    PubMed 15292432
  • WHO Scientific Group on the Burden of Musculoskeletal Conditions at the Start of the New Millennium. The burden of musculoskeletal conditions at the start of the new millennium. World Health Organ Tech Rep Ser. 2003;919:i-x, 1-218, back cover.

    PubMed 14679827
  • Dormans JP, Fisher RC, Pill SG. Orthopaedics in the developing world: present and future concerns. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2001 Sep-Oct;9(5):289-96. doi: 10.5435/00124635-200109000-00002.

    PubMed 11575908
  • Museru LM, Mcharo CN. The dilemma of fracture treatment in developing countries. Int Orthop. 2002;26(6):324-7. doi: 10.1007/s00264-002-0408-7. Epub 2002 Oct 17. No abstract available.

    PubMed 12466862
  • Zirkle LG Jr. Injuries in developing countries--how can we help? The role of orthopaedic surgeons. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2008 Oct;466(10):2443-50. doi: 10.1007/s11999-008-0387-0. Epub 2008 Aug 7.

    PubMed 18685912
  • Shah RK, Moehring HD, Singh RP, Dhakal A. Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) intramedullary nailing of open fractures of the tibia. Int Orthop. 2004 Jun;28(3):163-6. doi: 10.1007/s00264-003-0535-9. Epub 2004 Jan 9.

    PubMed 14714143
  • Shearer D, Cunningham, B., Zirkle, L. Population Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes from the SIGN Online Surgical Database. Techniques in Orthopaedics. 2009;24(4):273-276.

  • Ikpeme I, Ngim N, Udosen A, Onuba O, Enembe O, Bello S. External jig-aided intramedullary interlocking nailing of diaphyseal fractures: experience from a tropical developing centre. Int Orthop. 2011 Jan;35(1):107-11. doi: 10.1007/s00264-009-0949-0. Epub 2010 Feb 11.

    PubMed 20148329
  • Ogunlusi JD, St Rose RS, Davids T. Interlocking nailing without imaging: the challenges of locating distal slots and how to overcome them in SIGN intramedullary nailing. Int Orthop. 2010 Aug;34(6):891-5. doi: 10.1007/s00264-009-0882-2. Epub 2009 Oct 8.

    PubMed 19813011
  • Naeem-Ur-Razaq M, Qasim M, Khan MA, Sahibzada AS, Sultan S. Management outcome of closed femoral shaft fractures by open Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) interlocking nails. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2009 Jan-Mar;21(1):21-4.

    PubMed 20364733
  • Ikem IC, Ogunlusi JD, Ine HR. Achieving interlocking nails without using an image intensifier. Int Orthop. 2007 Aug;31(4):487-90. doi: 10.1007/s00264-006-0219-3. Epub 2006 Oct 13.

    PubMed 17039384
  • Sekimpi P, Okike K, Zirkle L, Jawa A. Femoral fracture fixation in developing countries: an evaluation of the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) intramedullary nail. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011 Oct 5;93(19):1811-8. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.J.01322.

    PubMed 22005867

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Intramedullary nailing with standard SIGN nail and External Fixation with uniplanar Dispofix external fixator in people with Tibial Fractures and Open Fracture of Tibia, run by University of California, San Francisco.

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 5 inclusion and 9 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Jul 2022. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

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?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Rate of composite, all-cause reoperation (time frame: One year of definitive skeletal stabilization). 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 NCT03861624, which also lists 16 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 Jul 2022.

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