Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Update: Week 33, 2026

Published August 14, 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.

Effect of peRiopErative duLoxetIne Administration on Opioid Consumption Following Total kneE Arthroplasty (RELIFE)

This study is exploring whether duloxetine, a medication often used for nerve pain and depression, can help reduce the need for opioid painkillers after knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis. Since opioids have risks like addiction and side effects, lowering their use could mean safer and more comfortable recoveries for patients. The trial is recruiting 150 participants in Canada who are undergoing knee replacement surgery, aiming to improve pain control and patient satisfaction after the procedure.

An Open-label Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of SYMVESS® as a Vascular Conduit in Adolescents With Extremity Arterial Injury

This Phase 3 study is testing a new tissue-engineered blood vessel called Symvess in adolescents who have serious artery injuries in their arms or legs. When traditional vein grafts cannot be used, this treatment could offer a safer option to restore blood flow and help prevent complications such as infection or the need for amputation. Patients will be followed for a year after surgery to see how well this new treatment works and how safe it is for young patients.

Healing After Injury to Reduce Opioid Use and Pain Through Preventive Engagement

This upcoming study plans to test a personalized psychological program designed to help people recover from musculoskeletal injuries with less pain and less reliance on opioids. By providing tailored behavioral support early on, the goal is to prevent long-term pain and reduce the risk of becoming dependent on opioid medications. The trial aims to enroll 80 participants and has not started recruiting yet.

Stronger at Home: Improving Outcomes for Older Adults After Hip Fracture

This trial is testing a 14-week home-based rehabilitation program for older adults recovering from hip fractures. Compared to usual care, this program aims to help patients regain function more effectively and conveniently in their own homes. Recruiting 200 participants in Canada, the study hopes to offer a recovery option that is both accessible and tailored to the needs of older adults.

Posterior Column Spinal Osteotomies in the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

This research compares a surgical technique called posterior column osteotomies to standard surgery without this step in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. It looks at whether adding this technique improves the correction of spinal curves without causing more complications. The study, completed in Finland with 116 participants aged 10 to 21, focuses on improving outcomes for young people undergoing spine surgery.

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