NCT04112992 · AO Innovation Translation Center
An International, Multicenter, Prospective Registry on Post-traumatic Long Bones Defects
What this study is about
Long bone defect (LBD) is defined as a focalized loss of bone tissue in any long bone of the upper or lower extremity. Long bone defects are a complex problem, that may arise as a complication of many different pathologies, such as trauma, tumors or infection. Whereas post-traumatic defects are the largest group.
View original scientific description
Long bone defect (LBD) is defined as a focalized loss of bone tissue in any long bone of the upper or lower extremity. Long bone defects are a complex problem, that may arise as a complication of many different pathologies, such as trauma, tumors or infection. Whereas post-traumatic defects are the largest group. Reports estimate that there are almost 4 million bone grafting procedures worldwide per year. However, limb reconstruction in the context of a bony defect is challenging and up to date there is little evidence and treatment recommendations. In a multi-national approach, the aim of this project is to set up an international, multicenter registry to gather information and details on prevalence or incidence, current treatments, complications and outcome.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Any treatment that is used for a defect of any long bone
Any treatment that is used for a defect of any long bone. All treatments are based on individual clinician's judgement and the patient characteristics. The registry does not dictate any specific treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Baseline characteristics
Time frame: Pre-operative
Demographics, medical history, comorbidity
Bone defect details
Time frame: Pre-operative and/or intraoperative
* Affected bone * Localization: Proximal 1/3rd, middle 3rd, distal 1/3rd(for any bone) * Size (categorization according Karger classification; definition: a bone defect should be at least 2 cm (Karger Type II)) Type II: 2-5 cm Type III: 5-10 cm Type IV: \> 10 cm
Trauma assessment
Time frame: Pre-operative and/or intraoperative
* Injury Severity Score (ISS): Grading for each item (points): No injury (0), Minor (1), Moderate (4), Serious (9), Severe (16), Critical (25), Unsurvivable (75) * Assessment: * Head and neck worst injury * Face worst injury * Chest worst injury * Abdomen worst injury * Extremity (including pelvis) worst injury * External worst injury * Gustilo \& Anderson classification for open fractures * Type I * Type II * Type IIIA * Type IIIB * Type IIIC * Tscherne classification for closed fracture and soft-tissue injuries * Grade 0 * Grade 1 * Grade 2 * Grade 3
evaluate the bone defect in the context of previous interventions
Time frame: Intraoperative
Number of previous interventions: \<2, \<4, \>4
Surgical details & Intraoperative findings 1
Time frame: Intraoperative
* Procedure type: * One stage * Staged (e.g. Masquelet technique / distraction osteogenesis / bone transport) * Ilizarov * Bone quality (good, fair, poor) by surgeon's discretion * Soft tissue and vascularity (good, fair, poor) by surgeon's discretion * Contamination (yes/no) Specification: * Metal from a bullet * Metal from a pole * Other Metal * Wood * Soil * Others * Surgical time (min) * Stabilization technique: Internal device (extra- or intramedullary) / External device (For both, drop down menu will be used)
Surgical details & Intraoperative findings 2
Time frame: Intraoperative
* Bone grafting * Autografts * Allograft(s) * Other synthetics * If applicable - time to harvest graft (in minutes) * Graft enhancement yes / no * Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) * Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) * Stem cells * Platelet rich plasma (PRP) * Other * Soft-tissue / vascular / microsurgical procedure yes / no * Skin graft * Local flap * Free flap * Additional treatment * Systemic antibiotic treatment yes / no * Local antibiotic treatment yes / no * Post-operative use of a negative pressure dressings (NPWT) or vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system yes / no
Functional Outcome
Time frame: 6 months follow-up / 12 months follow-up and/or 6 months after bone union (max 12 months)
\- Assessment of limb function and loss of length * Definition: anatomic shortening of the limb in comparison to the contralateral side * Assessment in cm * Any orthotic used to equalize leg length
Patient related outcome / Quality of life 1
Time frame: Screening / 6 months follow-up / 12 months follow-up and/or 6 months after bone union (max 18 months)
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) * Physical function: This item measures self-reported capability rather than actual performance. It includes the functioning of lower extremities (walking or mobility) as well as instrumental activities of daily living, such as running errands. We will use the short form 10b. * Physical function, upper extremity: This item measures activities that require use of the upper extremity including shoulder, arm, and hand activities. Examples include writing, using buttons, or opening containers. We will use the short form 7. * Pain Interference: This item assesses self-reported consequences of pain on relevant aspects of one's life. This includes the extent to which pain hinders engagement with social, cognitive, emotional, physical, and recreational activities. We will use the short form 8a. Short forms will be used in all sites possible (i.e. where the translation is available).
Patient related outcome / Quality of life 2
Time frame: Screening / 6 months follow-up / 12 months follow-up and/or 6 months after bone union (max 18 months)
EQ-5D-3L assessment (Five items, 3-point categorical scale) The EQ-5D-3L descriptive system comprises the following five dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Each dimension has 3 levels: no problems, some problems, and extreme problems. o The EQ VAS records the patient's self-rated health on a vertical visual analogue scale where the endpoints are labelled 'Best imaginable health state' and 'Worst imaginable health state'. The VAS can be used as a quantitative measure of health outcome that reflects the patient's own judgement.
Radiological Outcome
Time frame: Screening / / Intraoperative / 6 months follow-up / 12 months follow-up and/or 6 months after bone union (max 18 months)
Pre-operative/intraoperative * Deformity parameters (if applicable) * Nonunion classification: Hypertrophic, Oligotrophic, Atrophic Follow-up visits * Bone healing (based on the treating physician's judgement): Not healed / Partially healed / Mostly healed / Healed * Evaluation of the expansion of the bone defect: bone defect size * Time to healing: Date when full healing is achieved (to be calculated days from index surgery)
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
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Skeletally mature
- Post traumatic bone defect \> 2 cm either
- initially after injury or
- after surgical debridement
- Informed consent obtained, i.e.:
- Ability to understand the content of the patient information/ICF
- Willingness and ability to participate in the clinical investigation according to the registry plan
- Signed and dated EC/IRB approved written informed consent OR
- Written consent provided according to the IRB/EC defined and approved procedures for patients who are not able to provide independent written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Any oblique defect that has less than 8cm expansion when adding the defect size of all four cortices
- Any not medically managed severe systemic disease
- Participation in any other medical device or medicinal product registry within the previous 3 months that could influence the results of the present registry
Where
- Los Angeles, California
- Baltimore, Maryland
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 Aug 29, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations