RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Developing Allogeneic Musculoskeletal Therapies

This study is about understanding how different types of cells can help grow new cartilage and bone. Scientists will collect cells from tissues that are usually thrown away after certain operations, such as finger surgeries for children with extra digits (polydactyly) or hip surgeries for dislocated hips. They will also use tissues already stored in tissue banks. The main goal is to find out which of these tissues contain the best cells for making new cartilage, both in the lab and in further studies. This important research could lead to new ways to treat conditions like arthritis and repair damaged cartilage and bone in people of all ages.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Keele University

Enrolment target

325

Start

08 Oct 2018

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2037

Osteoarthritis

What is this study about?

When people have problems with their joints, like with arthritis or injuries to their cartilage and bones, it can really affect their daily lives. Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to fix these problems. One exciting area of research is using cells from the body to grow new tissue. This study is a step in that direction.

At a special orthopaedic hospital, researchers are collecting tiny pieces of tissue that would normally be discarded after surgery. For example, some children are born with an extra finger or toe (called polydactyly) and have surgery to remove it. The study would use this extra tissue. Also, children undergoing surgery for a dislocated hip might donate a very small piece of cartilage from their hip. The team also gets tissue from special tissue banks, which safely store donated samples.

The main idea is to compare cells from these different sources – the extra fingers/toes, the hip cartilage, and the tissue bank samples. They want to see which cells are best at growing into new, healthy cartilage and bone. This research is hopeful because if they can find the best cells, it could lead to new treatments for conditions like osteoarthritis, which is a common type of arthritis where the cartilage in joints wears away. The ultimate hope is that these cells could eventually be used to help patients grow their own new cartilage or bone to repair damage.

Key takeaways

The study aims to find the best cells for growing new cartilage and bone.
Tissue samples come from children's surgeries (extra fingers/toes or hip ops) and tissue banks.
Donating tissue involves no extra visits or follow-up for you or your child.
This research hopes to improve future treatments for conditions like arthritis.
Donating tissue is voluntary and does not impact your child's medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for specific tissue donations rather than people to receive treatment. For children donating tissue, their parents or guardians need to agree and fully understand what the study involves. These children would already be scheduled for surgery to remove an extra finger or toe due to polydactyly, or to treat a dislocated hip.

There's no age limit; anyone, from babies to older children having these specific surgeries, could be considered. If a child is having one of these operations, their parents would be asked if they are happy for the tissue that's being removed anyway, or a tiny extra piece, to be used for this important research.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is my child having surgery for an extra finger/toe (polydactyly)?
Is my child having surgery for a dislocated hip?
Am I (as a parent/guardian) able to understand and sign consent forms?
Are we comfortable with the idea of donating tiny tissue samples for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your child are having one of the specific surgeries mentioned (for an extra finger/toe or a dislocated hip), the medical team might ask if you would consider donating a small piece of tissue for this study. This tissue would either be the part being removed during surgery anyway (like an extra digit) or a very tiny extra piece (like 1 gram of cartilage from a hip surgery), similar in size to a small jelly bean.

There are no extra visits or assessments needed for you or your child. The donation happens during the already planned surgery. There are no medications to take, and no follow-up appointments related specifically to the study. Once the tissue is donated, your involvement is complete. This study is about getting tissue samples for laboratory research, not about providing treatment directly to the donor.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of this research are long-term, aiming to develop new treatments for people with cartilage and bone damage, such as those with arthritis. The study itself is about collecting tissue for lab work, so there are no direct health benefits to the individual donating. For those donating tissue, especially a small extra piece of cartilage during hip surgery, there is a very minimal, theoretical risk related to taking that extra piece, but it is extremely small and carefully considered by the surgeons. You always have the right to say no to donating tissue, or to withdraw your consent for the donated tissue to be used, at any point without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Oswestry, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'polydactyly'?

Polydactyly is when someone is born with an extra finger or toe. Sometimes these extra digits are removed with surgery.

Who is funding this research?

The Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) and the Versus Arthritis Tissue Engineering Centre are involved in this study.

Will I or my child receive any treatment from this study?

No, this study is about collecting tissue for lab research to help develop future treatments, not about giving treatment to the donors.

Is it safe to donate tissue?

Yes, donation is usually very safe. For this study, tissue is either already being removed during your child's planned surgery, or only a very tiny extra piece is taken, with minimal risk.

What happens to the donated tissue?

The tissue is used by scientists in the lab to study cells and see how well they can grow new cartilage and bone, helping to find better treatments for joint problems.

How to find out more

Karina T Wright, PhD

karina.wright1@nhs.net +441691404022 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.