Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Update: Week 13, 2026

Published March 29, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert. Blog posts are AI-drafted from ClinicalTrials.gov source data and reviewed by the editorial team. See our editorial policy for details.

Ketamine for Pain, Opioid Use, and Mental Health in Orthopedic Trauma Patients

This ongoing study from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is exploring whether giving ketamine during surgery can help adults with serious orthopedic injuries experience less pain and use fewer opioid painkillers afterward. The trial also looks at how ketamine might improve mental health outcomes like depression and post-traumatic stress. If the results are positive, it could provide a new way to support recovery and reduce opioid reliance after major orthopedic trauma.

Early Percutaneous Cryoablation for Pain Control After Rib Fractures Among Elderly Patients

Completed research from Stanford University tested a cooling treatment called percutaneous cryoablation to control pain in older adults with broken ribs. The findings, now available, suggest this approach may help reduce long-term pain and complications, potentially allowing patients to regain their usual activities more quickly. This treatment could become a helpful option for managing rib fracture pain in elderly patients.

Clinical Data-Driven AI Model for Mortality Prediction After Hip Fracture

A study in Turkey is using an artificial intelligence model to predict the risk of death after hip fracture surgery. By analyzing data from about 1,000 patients, the model aims to help doctors better understand which patients might face higher risks. This could lead to improved care decisions and support for people recovering from hip fractures, making treatment safer and more personalized.

Autophagy and Pathological Aging

Researchers in France completed a study examining cellular processes in the bones of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, some of whom also had Alzheimer's-type dementia. Understanding how these processes affect both bone health and cognitive decline may open new paths for managing aging-related conditions. While results are not yet available, this research could eventually help improve life quality for older adults facing these challenges.

Effect of Remimazolam and Propofol on Postoperative Delirium

This trial in South Korea is comparing two anesthesia drugs, remimazolam and propofol, to see which one causes less confusion after surgery in older patients having hip or knee operations. Since postoperative delirium can slow recovery and lead to other health issues, finding a safer anesthetic could make surgery outcomes better for elderly patients. The study is currently recruiting participants.

TrialsAlert subscribers received the full impact-classified briefing and doctor-ready report this week. Get weekly briefings at trialsalert.com.