Local staff have been praised for their success in recruiting patients to a new UK-wide clinical trial.
The ProFHER-2 study aims to assess how effective two surgical options are for treating proximal humerus fractures (a break in the top part of the bone in the upper arm) and if surgery more effective than non-surgical treatment. This study is being led NHS Forth Valley orthopaedic surgeon and clinical director for research and development Mr Terence Savaridas, and involves many departments including a fantastic team of physiotherapists.
Fractures of the humerus are common in people over 65 years of age who have had a fall. When the bone is broken into more than two parts it is considered complex and there are three treatments that are regularly used: two surgical (hemiarthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty) and non-surgical care where the arm is supported in a sling to allow the broken bone to heal naturally.
It is not currently known which of these treatment options is the most effective treatment but the ProFHER-2 trial aims to change that by reviewing the outcomes of 380 patients in centres across the UK, including NHS Forth Valley.
Laura McGenily, Clinical Research Nurse, said; “The study is going really well and has provided a great opportunity for student nurses from the University of Stirling to see research in action and learn about the importance of evidence based practice within our orthopaedic outpatient department.”
