Early Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

The clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of surgery for early osteoarthritis of the hip and knee joint

Addressing priorities in the Surgical Top 10: NIHR research in progress

In cases of severe damage where daily activities are difficult and some people cannot work, hip or knee joint replacement often works well, with many people having a good result. However when the damage within the joint is less severe, (known as 'early osteoarthritis'), joint replacement might to be less effective and other surgical treatments can be used. At present it is not clear which procedures are best for the patient. This presents a problem for the NHS because it means that some patients with osteoarthritis may miss out on helpful surgery whilst others may undergo treatment, which brings little benefit The purpose of this research therefore is to look for the best evidence available to support decisions on surgical treatment for each individual patient with early osteoarthritis.

What is the clinical-effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of surgery with medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) compared with non-surgical treatment in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in patients younger than 60 years? (MOTION Trial)

Addressing priorities in the Surgical Top 10: NIHR research in progress

We do not know if delaying or avoiding knee replacement surgery in patients <60 years with high tibial osteotomy surgery is any better than non-surgical treatment alone, as the two options have never been compared. The research team will study whether treating a painful, arthritic knee joint in patients younger than 60 years with joint realignment surgery (called high tibial osteotomy) is better than non-surgical treatment in terms of pain relief, improved quality of life and ability to return to work.