NCT06249126 · Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Primary Subtalar Arthrodesis for Calcaneal Fractures
What this study is about
Management of severe injuries to the heel (displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures) continues to be a major challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Previous studies have demonstrated poor outcomes, and results show that patients experience long-term pain and decreased quality of life postoperatively.
View original scientific description
Management of severe injuries to the heel (displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures) continues to be a major challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Previous studies have demonstrated poor outcomes, and results show that patients experience long-term pain and decreased quality of life postoperatively. Poor outcomes are driven by pain, in particular, which is linked to post-traumatic subtalar arthritis.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Primary Fusion (Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) + Primary Subtalar Arthrodesis (PSTA)
Definitive fixation by joint fusion
PROCEDURE
Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) only
Definitive fixation with plates and screws
Primary outcome measures
Return to Work/Duty - Metabolic Equivalent for Tasks (METs) Score
Time frame: Week 6
The primary outcome is return to work/duty as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The IPAQ is a validated, self-report measure that captures detailed information about participation in a wide range of physical activities, including the number of days and amount of time spent in the previous 7 days. Responses for each type of physical activity are then transformed into the number of Metabolic Equivalent for Tasks (METs), and a METs/week is calculated for each patient. The IPAQ has moderate concordance with accelerometry-measured METs in an orthopaedic injury patient population. (one MET is defined as 3.5 mL O2 uptake/kg per min, which is the resting oxygen uptake in a sitting position). Less than 5 METS is poor, 5-8 METS is fair, 9-11 METS is good, and 12 METS or more is excellent.
Return to Work/Duty - Metabolic Equivalent for Tasks (METs) Score
Time frame: Week 12
The primary outcome is return to work/duty as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The IPAQ is a validated, self-report measure that captures detailed information about participation in a wide range of physical activities, including the number of days and amount of time spent in the previous 7 days. Responses for each type of physical activity are then transformed into the number of Metabolic Equivalent for Tasks (METs), and a METs/week is calculated for each patient. The IPAQ has moderate concordance with accelerometry-measured METs in an orthopaedic injury patient population. (one MET is defined as 3.5 mL O2 uptake/kg per min, which is the resting oxygen uptake in a sitting position). Less than 5 METS is poor, 5-8 METS is fair, 9-11 METS is good, and 12 METS or more is excellent.
Return to Work/Duty - Metabolic Equivalent for Tasks (METs) Score
Time frame: Month 6
The primary outcome is return to work/duty as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The IPAQ is a validated, self-report measure that captures detailed information about participation in a wide range of physical activities, including the number of days and amount of time spent in the previous 7 days. Responses for each type of physical activity are then transformed into the number of Metabolic Equivalent for Tasks (METs), and a METs/week is calculated for each patient. The IPAQ has moderate concordance with accelerometry-measured METs in an orthopaedic injury patient population. (one MET is defined as 3.5 mL O2 uptake/kg per min, which is the resting oxygen uptake in a sitting position). Less than 5 METS is poor, 5-8 METS is fair, 9-11 METS is good, and 12 METS or more is excellent.
Return to Work/Duty - Metabolic Equivalent for Tasks (METs) Score
Time frame: Month 12
The primary outcome is return to work/duty as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The IPAQ is a validated, self-report measure that captures detailed information about participation in a wide range of physical activities, including the number of days and amount of time spent in the previous 7 days. Responses for each type of physical activity are then transformed into the number of Metabolic Equivalent for Tasks (METs), and a METs/week is calculated for each patient. The IPAQ has moderate concordance with accelerometry-measured METs in an orthopaedic injury patient population. (one MET is defined as 3.5 mL O2 uptake/kg per min, which is the resting oxygen uptake in a sitting position). Less than 5 METS is poor, 5-8 METS is fair, 9-11 METS is good, and 12 METS or more is excellent.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Undergoing operative treatment for displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture
- Sanders III and IV displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture OR Sanders II with any of the following criteria: Bohler angle \< 0 degrees, open fracture, pain syndrome, substance use disorder
- Age 18 or older
- Able to follow up at site for 1 year
Exclusion criteria
- Planned surgery using extensile lateral approach
- Sanders II displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture without: Bohler angle \< 0 degrees, open fracture, pain syndrome, or substance
- \<18 years of age
- Body Mass Index (BMI) \>40
- Unable to follow up at site for 1 year
- Patients that speak neither English or Spanish
Where
- Orange, California
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Macon, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Lexington, Kentucky
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Jamaica, New York
- New York, New York
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Concord, North Carolina
And 4 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations