# A Planning Grant for a Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Hip Arthroplasty to Internal Fixation for Minimally Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures

> **NIH NIH R34** · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · 2024 · $106,704

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Minimally displaced femoral neck fractures have traditionally been treated with internal fixation because an
open reduction is rarely required and the fixation devices can be implanted with little surgical dissection. As
such, internal fixation of minimally displaced fractures is perceived to have a relatively low risk of complications
and mortality. However, recent data suggests that patients treated with internal fixation experience high
complication rates. Recent research has suggested arthroplasty could result in superior outcomes, reducing
the risk of major reoperations, decreasing mortality, and improving mobility. While the preliminary data
supporting the use of arthroplasty for minimally displaced fractures is promising, clinical practice would benefit
from a definitive trial that clearly defines the optimal surgical treatment for patients with these fracture types.
Addressing this need, we propose a multi-center randomized controlled trial designed to determine if
arthroplasty is superior to internal fixation in patients with a minimally displaced femoral neck fracture. If
arthroplasty outcomes are superior to internal fixation in the proposed trial, it will provide a rationale for
widespread changes in treatment and improve the care of thousands of patients each year. In order to
successfully implement this landmark trial, we propose an 18-month planning period. We will leverage our
team’s experience designing, implementing, and conducting multi-center randomized controlled trials to
develop a feasible and patient-centered trial. During the planning period, we will complete the following three
specific aims: 1) Finalize the patient-centered trial protocol; 2) Establish trial infrastructure, and 3) Prepare the
clinical sites for initiation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10824321
- **Project number:** 5R34AR082550-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- **Principal Investigator:** Nathan Noel O'Hara
- **Activity code:** R34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $106,704
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-04-07 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10824321

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10824321, A Planning Grant for a Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Hip Arthroplasty to Internal Fixation for Minimally Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures (5R34AR082550-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10824321. Licensed CC0.

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