Knee Ligament Ultrasound (KNEEL-US) Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A novel technique to measure soft-tissue laxity of the knee and predict outcome following total knee arthroplasty.
IRAS ID
269543
Contact name
Chloe Scott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
What research question is being addressed?
This study is using three-dimensional ultrasound imaging to measure the soft-tissues surrounding the native and prosthetic knee. In particular, we wish to investigate the medial collateral ligament (MCL) which contributes to the stability and full functioning of the knee. Ultrasound imaging will be tested to see if it can provide important information about the knee MCL, such as it’s strength, length and how its properties change during normal movement.How is it of relevance and importance to patients and public?
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common affects nearly five million people in the United Kingdom. Soft-tissues of the knee such as tendons and ligaments are essential for stability and normal functioning. Knee ligament damage increases the rate of osteoarthritis, and may also affect the outcome following total knee replacement. Up to one in five patients who require revision total knee replacement surgery, do so because of an unstable knee.Despite its importance, there are no satisfactory measures of soft-tissue balance available to surgeons. Ultrasound may be able to provide objective information which clinicians can use to improve the outcome of patients with knee arthritis.
Broadly what area (disease, therapy or service) is being studied? For what is the procedure being tested.
This study is investigating the use of three-dimensional ultrasound to measure ligament function in patients with native and prosthetic knees. It is hoped that these results will help our understanding of patients with knee osteoarthritis and those who ultimately require total knee replacement.Who would be eligible?
All patients aged over 18 years, with either native or prosthetic knees shall be considered eligible for this study. Patients shall be excluded if they have had previous knee ligament injuries or a known diagnosis of ligamentous laxity.The type of sites where the study will be conducted.
This study shall be performed at a university-affiliated, teaching hospital.How long will the study last and what will the participants undergo?
The study aims to recruit 60 participants. In total, it is expected that the study shall last three years in order to complete the study recruitment, analyse the data and publish/disseminate the results.REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
20/SS/0003
Date of REC Opinion
25 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion