Immunohistochemistry of the synovium, PCL and pMFLs Ver:1.0 10/02/2016

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Immunohistochemistry of the synovium, posterior cruciate and meniscofemoral ligaments in the knee joint

  • IRAS ID

    202552

  • Contact name

    David Nicoll

  • Contact email

    davidnicoll@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    TASC Tayside Medical Science Centre

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    Despite recent advancements in technology and the success rates of total knee arthroplasty, 20% of patients undergoing surgery are dissatisfied because of anterior knee pain. Besides discomfort and pain, increased length of hospital discharge time and increased rehabilitation time, patients may also develop persistent postsurgical pain. The nature of the intense pain remains unclear, but neuropathic pain is thought to be the most common cause.

    In this study, I plan to study surgical knee biopsy specimens (posterior cruciate and meniscofemoral ligaments with surrounding synovium) from 100 consented participants who have undergone total knee arthroplasty. I will use special stains (immunohistochemistry) to create a nerve map of the synovium, posterior cruciate and posterior meniscofemoral ligaments of the knee. Postsurgical pain management based on nerve mapping may reduce the severity of the risk of developing chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty.
    This study hopes to offer an understanding of the neuropathic pain after total knee arthroplasty and may assist in pain management after surgery.

  • REC name

    North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/NW/0212

  • Date of REC Opinion

    24 Mar 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion