Unlike elderly hip fractures that are commonly treated with a joint replacement, young patients are typically treated with surgical fixation devices to facilitate fracture healing, preserve the native hip, and allow for higher functional demands. Unfortunately, approximately 20% of these patients experience significant fracture healing complications and an additional 30% heal their fracture in a non-anatomic position that negatively affects their function.
FAITH-2 is a clinical trial that compares treatment options for the management of young femoral neck fractures (ages less than 60 years). The FAITH-2 trial is an innovative randomized control trial (RCT) because it independently compares two surgical implants as well as vitamin D supplementation versus placebo in a single study. This is called a factorial RCT, and it results in significant recruitment efficiency and cost savings for our publically-funded granting agencies.
The proposed FAITH-2 trial is the cornerstone project of a five-year research program to improve the health of young hip fracture patients and promote the use of randomized control trials in orthopaedic surgery. RCTs are the gold standard study design for comparing the efficacy of two treatments; however, they are extremely challenging to implement in surgical settings. Dr. Slobogean has received extensive training in the design of orthopaedic clinical trials and serves on the steering committee of three current multi-centre RCTs. Through the FAITH-2 trial and collaborating on these other multi-centre studies, Dr. Slobogean is developing an expertise in large-scale surgical RCTs that is lacking in British Columbia.
Ultimately, this research program aims to make British Columbia a leader in surgical clinical trials that will improve the musculoskeletal health of its citizens and individuals worldwide.
