RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

RCT: Mako Medial Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty vs Oxford Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty

This research is a study comparing two different surgical techniques for a type of knee replacement called unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA). This surgery is often done for people with arthritis affecting only one part of their knee. We are looking at the Mako robotic method and comparing it to the traditional Oxford method, which uses special guiding tools (jigs) and a navigation system. The main aim is to see which method allows the new knee joint parts to be placed more accurately. We will also check how patients recover and feel after each type of surgery. This helps doctors understand if one way of doing the surgery has better results for patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

140

Start

24 Nov 2017

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2026

Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Osteo Arthritis Knee Surgery

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help us understand which method of 'keyhole' knee replacement surgery might be best for people with arthritis in just one part of their knee. This specific surgery is called a unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA). Imagine your knee is divided into three sections; if only one section has arthritis, this type of partial knee replacement might be an option.

We're comparing two main ways this surgery can be done. One method uses a special robot called Mako to help the surgeon place the new knee joint components very precisely. The other method is the traditional 'Oxford' approach, where the surgeon uses special guiding tools, called jigs, and a navigation system to help with accuracy during the operation.

The most important thing we want to find out is how accurately the new knee parts are placed during each type of surgery. We'll check this using special scans after the operation. We also want to understand how patients recover, their pain levels, and how well they can use their knee after each type of surgery. By comparing these two methods, we hope to find out if one technique leads to better outcomes for patients in the long run.

Key takeaways

Compares two types of partial knee replacement surgery (Mako robot-assisted vs. Oxford traditional method).
Aims to see which method places the new knee joint more accurately and leads to better patient recovery.
Suitable for people aged 40-80 with arthritis in only one part of their knee, needing specific surgery.
Participation involves having one of the surgeries and attending follow-up checks.
Your surgical method will be decided randomly, not chosen.
Helps advance understanding for future knee arthritis treatments.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would generally need to have arthritis in only one part of your knee and require a partial knee replacement for it. You should be between 40 and 80 years old, fit enough for surgery, and willing to attend follow-up appointments. Both you and your surgeon need to agree that this type of knee replacement is the right treatment for you.

Conversely, you can't join the study if your arthritis affects more than one part of your knee, or if you've already had certain knee surgeries or have other conditions that affect your movement. You also cannot participate if you are not fit for surgery, or if you are already involved in another clinical trial. It's important that you live in an area close enough to easily attend all necessary appointments for 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.

Do you have arthritis in only one part of your knee?
Are you between 40 and 80 years old?
Are you generally fit enough for an operation?
Are you willing and able to attend follow-up appointments at the hospital?
Do you live close enough to the study hospital?
Have you *not* had previous knee surgery (like an osteotomy or another partial knee replacement) on the same knee that failed?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would undergo one of the two types of partial knee replacement surgery – either the Mako robot-assisted method or the traditional Oxford method. Which one you receive will be decided randomly, like flipping a coin. After your surgery, you will have regular check-ups, including special scans and assessments, to see how your knee is healing and how you are feeling. These appointments will involve visits to the clinic and possibly X-rays or other scans. The study team will explain the schedule for these follow-ups, which will likely be spread out over a period of time to track your progress. The total duration of your participation will depend on the study's follow-up plan, which could extend for several months or even a few years.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that it helps doctors learn more about the best way to do partial knee replacements, which could improve care for future patients. You might also receive careful monitoring of your knee recovery. However, there are potential risks associated with any surgery, such as infection, bleeding, or problems with the new joint, regardless of the method used. You will be randomly assigned to one of the surgical methods, so you won't get to choose which one you receive. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, 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.

UCL Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA)?

It's a partial knee replacement surgery for people who have arthritis in only one part of their knee.

What's the difference between Mako and Oxford UKA?

Mako is a robot-assisted method, while Oxford uses traditional guiding tools and navigation to help the surgeon.

Why are you doing this study?

To find out which surgery method, Mako or Oxford, leads to better accuracy in placing the new knee parts and better results for patients.

Will I get to choose which surgery I have?

No, if you join, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the Mako or Oxford method.

What do I have to do if I join?

You'll have the surgery and then attend scheduled follow-up appointments, including scans and health checks, to monitor your recovery.

How to find out more

Jenni Tahmassebi

jenni.tahmassebi1@nhs.net 02034479413 Official trial record

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