Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Update: Week 40, 2026

Published October 2, 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.

Semaglutide for Low Back Pain

This Phase 2 trial from Washington University School of Medicine is exploring whether semaglutide can help adults with chronic low back pain who are also living with obesity. By focusing on weight loss, semaglutide may reduce pain and improve quality of life for people struggling with persistent back issues. The study will follow 250 participants in the United States over the course of a year to see if this approach offers meaningful relief.

Delivery and Implementation of a Randomised Crossover Trial on Thrombosis

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London are comparing aspirin with low molecular weight heparin injections to prevent blood clots in patients aged 60 and older who have hip fractures. This trial is important because aspirin could provide a simpler and more comfortable alternative to daily injections for preventing dangerous blood clots. With over 21,000 patients involved across the UK, this study could impact treatment guidelines for older adults recovering from hip fractures.

Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine and Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Hip Fracture Surgery

Assiut University is conducting a Phase 2 trial to see if adding intrathecal dexmedetomidine to spinal anesthesia helps reduce postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Delirium after surgery can complicate recovery and extend hospital stays, so finding ways to lower its occurrence could improve outcomes for older adults. The study plans to enroll 130 patients and is preparing to start recruiting.

Effects of Shanyu Pill in Older Adults With Sarcopenia

This trial from Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine is examining the impact of Shanyu Pill, a traditional Chinese medicine, on muscle loss and weakness in older adults with sarcopenia. Improving muscle strength and physical function could help people maintain independence and reduce falls. The study involves 192 participants in China, with a 24-week treatment period followed by evaluations to assess benefits.

Anesthesia and Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders in the Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery Platform Trial (ANDES Platform Trial)

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University is studying different anesthesia methods in people aged 65 and older having hip fracture surgery. The goal is to find strategies that reduce memory and thinking problems after surgery, which can hinder recovery. This large trial is recruiting about 1860 participants in China and compares common anesthesia techniques to improve cognitive outcomes.

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