Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Prognostic Factors Associated With Failure of Total Elbow Replacement

This research wants to find out what makes some total elbow replacements (TERs) not work as well as expected. Scientists are looking at a huge amount of existing information from the National Joint Registry, which records details of joint operations in the UK. They're combining this with other health data from NHS England to get a full picture. By understanding the reasons why some elbow replacements might fail, they hope to improve the surgery in the future. This could mean fewer patients needing more operations, which is better for patients and helps the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

4,073

Start

15 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2025

Total Elbow Replacement

What is this study about?

Imagine you've had an elbow replacement operation. For most people, it's a success and helps them live a pain-free life, but sometimes these operations don't last as long as hoped, and people might need another surgery. This study is all about understanding why that might happen.

The researchers are studying a very large collection of information known as the National Joint Registry (NJR). Think of it as a huge database that keeps track of everyone in the UK who has had a joint replacement, including elbow replacements. This database is known for being very accurate and complete. To get an even better understanding, they are also looking at other health records from NHS England, which provides more details about hospital stays and treatments.

By carefully looking at what these different sets of information show, the researchers hope to spot patterns or 'factors' that might lead to an elbow replacement not lasting as long. The goal isn't to look at new treatments, but to learn from past experiences. This knowledge is really important because it can help doctors and surgeons make decisions that reduce the chance of problems in the future, ultimately making these operations more successful for everyone.

Key takeaways

This study investigates why some elbow replacements fail.
It uses existing, anonymised patient data from UK health registries.
The goal is to identify factors that can predict problems after surgery.
Findings could help improve future elbow replacement outcomes.
You won't be actively involved or need to attend any appointments.

Who may be eligible?

This study isn't actively recruiting new patients to try out a new treatment. Instead, it's looking back at information from people who have already had an elbow replacement operation.

To be included in this study, you would have had to be between 16 and 100 years old when you had your first total elbow replacement. This surgery must have been recorded in the National Joint Registry (NJR) between April 1, 2012, and December 31, 2023, and performed in England.

We would not include your information if you previously said you didn't want your data used for research. Also, if there are problems tracing your records or if your surgery details aren't clear or consistent in the registry, your information wouldn't be part of the study.

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.

Did you have your first elbow replacement between April 2012 and December 2023?
Were you between 16 and 100 years old at the time of your surgery?
Was your elbow replacement operation performed in England?
Did you give permission for your NHS data to be used for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a bit different because you won't need to do anything or attend any appointments. The researchers are looking at existing patient information that has already been collected, securely and anonymously, from the National Joint Registry and other NHS records. This means you wouldn't be asked to visit a clinic, have any tests, take any medication, or change anything about your daily routine. There are no follow-up visits specifically for this study, and your involvement would simply be through your anonymised data being included if it fits the study's criteria.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only uses existing, anonymised patient data, there are no direct physical risks to you. Your personal information will be protected, and researchers will not know who you are. The potential benefit is that the findings could help doctors better understand why some elbow replacements fail, leading to improved surgical techniques or patient care in the future. This could mean better outcomes for future patients, reducing the need for further operations. Because it's data-based, you also don't need to worry about withdrawing at any point, as you aren't actively participating.

Locations (1)

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

Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a Total Elbow Replacement (TER)?

A TER is an operation to replace your elbow joint with an artificial one, usually to relieve pain and improve movement.

Will this study affect my current medical care?

No, this study only uses past information from medical records and will not affect your current or future medical care in any way.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, researchers will use anonymised data, meaning your name and other identifying details will be removed to protect your privacy.

Do I need to do anything if I had an elbow replacement?

No, you don't need to do anything. This study is just looking at existing medical records.

What do they hope to learn from this study?

They hope to find out why some elbow replacements don't last as long as others, to help improve future operations.

How to find out more

Zaid Hamoodi, MBChB MSc

zaid.hamoodi-2@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk 07533704775 Official trial record

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