Core Outcomes for research on Post-op Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Core outcomes for research on Post-Operative Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures (POPFF): The development of a Core Outcome Set and recommendations for outcome measurement instruments
IRAS ID
358252
Contact name
Alexander Aquilina
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
SGL030/1099, Academy of Medical Sciences — Starter Grants for Clinical Lecturers; ORUK-577, Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) Grant
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
Hip and knee replacements are usually very successful, but sometimes the thigh bone (femur) can break around the implant after surgery. This is called a post-operative periprosthetic femoral fracture (PoPFF). These injuries are the leading cause of hip replacement failure, often need urgent surgery, and can lead to pain, loss of mobility, reduced independence, or even death. Treating them is complex and costly, and recovery can be long.
At present, research studies on PoPFF measure different aspects of recovery, such as pain, mobility, or complications, but do not use the same definitions or measures. This makes it difficult to compare studies or combine results to identify the best treatments. A Core Outcome Set (COS) is a standard list of the most important results to measure in all future research. It ensures studies are relevant to patients and healthcare professionals, and results can be compared.This study will develop the first COS for PoPFF. Adults who have been treated for a PoPFF at an NHS hospital trust, or their adult carergivers, will be eligible to take part. We will also invite healthcare professionals involved in PoPFF care and researchers who have studied this condition.
Participants will be asked to take part in an online “Delphi” survey in two short rounds. In the survey, they will rate which outcomes they think are most important. Some participants will also be invited to one or both of two consensus meetings (in person or online) to agree on the final COS and how each outcome should be measured.
The study is funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences and Orthopaedic Research UK, sponsored by the University of Bristol, and will run for around one year. Results will be published and shared with all participants, patient groups, and researchers to help improve future care and research for PoPFF.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/YH/0034
Date of REC Opinion
26 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion