Clinical Trial: Effectiveness of Two Types of Treatment in Restoring Muscle After Hip or Knee Surgery

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Restoration of Muscle Following Hip Surgery

Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of two postoperative interventions designed to preserve muscle protein after major hip or knee surgery.

Detailed Summary:

Hip fractures among the elderly are a major health concern. Nearly one-third of elderly hip fracture patients die within 1 year of the injury. Events surrounding the actual injury and any necessary surgical repair often lead to reduced muscle protein, and eventually, muscle strength. Loss in everyday function and independence may follow, especially in elderly or frail individuals. The decrease in protein synthesis may be caused by two main events following injury and surgery: prolonged inactivity and an increase in stress hormone levels. Preventing a loss in protein may help to improve outcomes for individuals undergoing hip surgery and rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of two postoperative interventions designed to retain muscle protein after major hip or knee surgery in adults.

This study will include two experiments. Experiment 1 will include individuals who are scheduled for hip or knee replacement surgery because of osteoarthritis (the need to repair or replace the affected joint), or avascular necrosis (bone tissue death caused by lack of blood supply). Experiment 1 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

  • Group 1 participants will receive daily supplements of essential amino acids, which are thought to stimulate protein synthesis.
  • Group 2 participants will receive standard rehabilitation care while in the hospital and will serve as controls for the effect of time on recovery.

Participants will be in the hospital for about 4 days. On the morning of surgery, blood and urine collection will occur. During surgery, substances called tracers, measuring the extent of protein synthesis and breakdown, will be injected into a vein for the first meta
Sponsor: University of Arkansas

Current Primary Outcome: Muscle Protein Synthesis [ Time Frame: Perioperative and discharge ]

Original Primary Outcome:

  • Experiment 1
  • Hypothesis-Stimulation of muscle protein synthesis during acute hospitalization
  • and short-term rehabilitation from hip replacement surgery will preserve muscle protein.
  • Experiment 2
  • Hypothesis-Amelioration of hypercortisolemia throughout acute
  • recovery (hospitalization) will improve net muscle protein
  • balance.


Current Secondary Outcome: Change in Maximal Voluntary Contraction [ Time Frame: Baseline and 6 weeks post surgery ]

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: University of Arkansas

Dates:
Date Received: October 27, 2006
Date Started: October 2006
Date Completion:
Last Updated: May 30, 2014
Last Verified: May 2014