NICRN Trauma & Orthopaedics Team Achieves Top UK Recruitment for FRUITI Trial Again

June 1, 2026

The NICRN Trauma and Orthopaedics team at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) has once again demonstrated outstanding research performance, achieving recognition as a top recruiting site in the UK for the FRUITI clinical trial. The team secured leading recruitment status in January 2026 and was also recognised as the top recruiter in April, with the Royal Victoria Hospital continuing its strong contribution.

This achievement highlights effective multidisciplinary collaboration and reflects the Trust’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality clinical research embedded within routine patient care.

The FRUITI study opened at the Belfast site in December 2025 and forms part of the WHiTE (World Hip Trauma Evaluation) Platform, led by the University of Oxford. These studies aim to improve outcomes for patients with hip fractures through large-scale, pragmatic research conducted across NHS settings.

FRUITI is a randomised clinical trial comparing two established surgical treatment approaches for hip fracture: internal fixation and hip replacement. The study is designed to determine clinical superiority between these treatment groups, supported by a parallel economic evaluation. Its primary objective is to compare health-related quality of life outcomes. Participants are followed for up to one year, with additional long-term follow-up at five years post-diagnosis to enable a comprehensive assessment of both clinical and cost effectiveness.

The study remains ongoing, with recruitment continuing at the Belfast site. To date, 821 of 878 participants have been recruited, with 57 participants remaining to reach the target.

The Principal Investigator for the FRUITI trial at BHSCT is Mr Owen Diamond (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon), supported by Co-Principal Investigator Mr Paul Kariyiannis, with surgical leadership provided by Mr Tucker. The study team also includes trainees Alok Vinayakumar, Niall Fitzpatrick, Ciaran Doherty, and Ryan Moffat, further strengthening delivery capacity within the service.

The team is supported by Clinical Research Nurse Anie Philip, who plays a key role in research coordination and study delivery at the site.

NICRN and BHSCT would like to acknowledge the contribution of all clinical, research, and support staff involved in achieving this milestone. Thanks are extended to the TORG team and to Trauma & Orthopaedics research nurse, Anie Philip. The Trust also expresses sincere appreciation to the patients who have consented to take part in FRUITI, whose participation is essential to advancing evidence-based trauma care.