Redesigning and Exploiting Contemporary Arthroplasty Practice (RECAP)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
RECAP - Redesigning and Exploiting Contemporary Arthroplasty Practice
IRAS ID
351624
Contact name
David Deehan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Total knee replacement is a common operation, with more than 100,000 being carried out in the UK in 2023. In the past, people who had their knee replaced used to spend a few nights in hospital but, now, hospital stays have become shorter through ‘Enhanced Recovery’ programs. These programs involve standardised assessments and education before surgery, and specific anaesthetic and rehabilitation protocols to make the patients experience as smooth as possible. Some patients are now able to go home on the same day as they have their operation. This has advantages as patients tend to recover better in their own home, it costs the NHS less, and could help reduce waiting lists. However, care must be taken to make sure patients are safe to go home, and they must be followed up closely to make sure they are recovering well. This study will recruit 120 patients who are waiting for a total knee replacement and have the potential to be discharged on the same day as their operation – i.e. they are normally fit and well. All 120 patients will undergo robotic-assisted total knee replacement using an Enhanced Recovery program. Information will be collected on whether the patient is discharged on the same day as their operation, and if they have any complications. After every 20 patients, the clinical team will review how patients have done and potentially change some of the protocols if there have been particular problems with getting patients home or any complications. This will optimise patient treatment, and hopefully improve the number of patients who can have a day-case total knee replacement in the future.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0039
Date of REC Opinion
2 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion