Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Comparing Temperature in Burr vs Saw Cutting for Knee Arthroplasty

We're looking at how different tools heat up bone during knee replacement surgery. Some operations use a 'burr' with robotic assistance, while others use a traditional 'saw'. We will measure the temperature using a special camera during 20 knee replacement operations at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (Colchester). This research is about understanding if one cutting method causes more heat in the bone than the other. Importantly, participating in the study won't change your surgery or care in any way, as the temperature measurements are simply an observation.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

28 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Total Knee Arthroplasty Total Knee Replacement

What is this study about?

When you have a total knee replacement, surgeons need to cut away parts of the bone to fit the new knee joint. There are different ways to do this. Some surgeons use a traditional 'saw', while others use a 'burr' tool, often with robotic assistance to make very precise cuts. This study wants to understand if one of these cutting methods causes the bone to get warmer than the other.

Heat generated during surgery can sometimes affect how bones heal later, so researchers are interested in finding out if there are differences. By measuring these temperatures, doctors can learn more about the best ways to perform knee replacement surgery and potentially improve how patients recover. Your treatment decisions will not be influenced by participating in this study; it's simply an observation of what naturally happens during surgery.

This research is being carried out at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (Colchester site) and will involve 20 patients who are already having a total knee replacement. The temperature measurements will be taken discreetly during your surgery without affecting the procedure itself. Everyone involved in this study is committed to making sure patients receive excellent care throughout.

Key takeaways

Researches are looking at bone temperature during knee replacement.
Compares two cutting methods: traditional saw vs. robotic burr.
No changes to your surgery or care if you participate.
A special camera will measure temperature during the operation.
Your decision to join is voluntary and won't affect your treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who are already scheduled to have a total knee replacement operation because of painful arthritis in their knee.

You can't join the study if you have certain conditions that might affect your bones, like rheumatoid arthritis or Paget's disease, or if you've had previous surgery on that knee. Also, if the shape of your knee bones is very unusual, you might not be able to take part.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you scheduled for a total knee replacement because of arthritis?
Have you had previous surgery on that knee? (If yes, you may not be eligible)
Do you have a bone disease like rheumatoid arthritis or Paget's disease? (If yes, you may not be eligible)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your participation will not change your scheduled knee replacement surgery in any way. About 1-2 weeks before your operation, when you come for your consent clinic appointment, you'll be given detailed information about the study. You can ask any questions you have and then decide if you want to join. You'll have plenty of time to think about it before making a decision.

During your actual knee replacement operation, a special camera will be set up about two metres away from you. This camera will quietly take pictures to measure the temperature of the bone as the surgeon makes the cuts. The research team will simply observe and record the temperatures; they will not interfere with your surgery. After your surgery, there are no additional appointments or follow-up tests specifically for this study. Your medical information will be used in a way that protects your privacy.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct benefits or risks to you for taking part in this study. Your surgery and care will be exactly the same whether you participate or not. The information gathered may help improve future knee replacement surgeries for other patients. You have the right to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Colchester, United Kingdom

Common questions

Will taking part change my surgery?

No, your knee replacement surgery will be carried out exactly as planned, regardless of whether you join the study or not.

How will you measure the temperature?

A special camera will be placed away from you during surgery to record the temperature of the bone. It won't touch you or interfere with the operation.

Do I have to do anything extra?

No, there are no extra appointments, tests, or medication for you as part of this study. It's purely an observation during your planned surgery.

What if I change my mind?

You can decide not to take part or withdraw from the study at any time, even after you've agreed, without it affecting your medical care.

Who is doing this study?

This study is being conducted by researchers at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (Colchester site).