Effects of a Clinical Pathway on Treatment Outcomes for Older Adults with Fragile Pelvic Fractures A Multicenter Stepped-Wedge Randomized Trial

What this Trial Is About

Pelvic fragility fractures in elderly patients often lead to serious health problems and high death rates. Currently, treatment approaches vary widely due to the lack of a standard protocol. This trial evaluates a new clinical pathway based on evidence and expert experience, aiming to improve outcomes for this vulnerable group who face multiple risks for poor recovery. The study compares the usual care with an evidence-based clinical pathway designed to guide diagnosis and treatment strategies. Patients will be randomly assigned to either continue with standard care or follow this best-practice clinical pathway. The pathway focuses on early diagnosis and minimally invasive treatments tailored for fragile patients. Participants will be monitored over time to assess their mobility, daily function, quality of life, pain levels, medication use, complication rates, and mortality. Assessments use tools like the Parker mobility score, Elderly mobility scale, Katz Index, EuroQol quality of life questionnaire, and pain rating scales. Follow-ups occur at multiple intervals up to two years, with careful tracking of recovery and any additional injuries or complications.

Impact of a Clinical Pathway for Pelvic Fragility Fractures