GATOR: Gait Analysis of Total Hip Replacement
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biomechanical identification of fixed, loose and loosening total hip replacements
IRAS ID
221871
Contact name
Ben Langley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Edge Hill University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 29 days
Research summary
About 10% of total hip replacements (THR) fail. If this is identified late patients may experience pain and a fracture may occur making further surgery more complicated. Follow up practice varies, some consultants asking patients to attend regular clinics, while others follow up using questionnaires and X-rays. This is burdensome for patients, costly for the NHS and some patients slip through the net. There is currently a lack of information about the biomechanical changes associated with loose or loosening THR. Early identification of loose or loosening THR would help to enhance patient follow up and after care post THR. This study is the first in a series of studies to see if there may be other ways to detect early signs of failing THR. In this study we are going to ask three groups of patients to undergo movement assessments during routine daily activities (walking, standing from sitting and going up steps) in a biomechanics laboratory: the three groups are (1) well-functioning radiographically fixed, (2) asymptomatic but radiographically loose and (3) symptomatic and radiographically loose THR. We want to see if there are differences between the groups that can be picked up during gait analysis (movement assessments) and how consistent gait analysis measures are in this population. If we find such changes, we will go on to do larger studies with an aim to eventually develop remote monitoring systems which would allow early detection of problems in patients own homes. The research project has the potential to have substantial national and global impact by increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of patients monitoring and aftercare post THR. This in turn is likely to increase patients quality of life and experiences post THR.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1584
Date of REC Opinion
19 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion