A trial led by the University of Oxford found that resurfacing the kneecap during total knee replacement is likely the most cost-effective approach for patients and healthcare systems, according to a June 18 news release from the university.
Here are seven notes on the study:
- Even though total knee replacement procedures have a high success rate, up to 20% of patients experience pain or reduced function after surgery.
- Kneecap resurfacing involves replacing the damaged underside of the kneecap with a smooth artificial surface during knee replacement surgery,
- The study compared patients who underwent kneecap resurfacing and those who had a standard knee replacement.
- Both methods had good long-term outcomes, but most measures displayed a small edge for patients who received knee resurfacing.
- Researchers followed more than 1,700 patients for 20 years as part of the knee arthroplasty trial study.
- Over the 20-year period, the study found that kneecap resurfacing provided more health benefits to patients.
- “This is the largest and longest study ever undertaken to examine whether the kneecap should be resurfaced during total knee replacement,” David Murray, MD, professor of orthopedic surgery at Oxford University said in the release. “Given these findings, we believe surgeons should now consider kneecap resurfacing as part of standard care for most patients undergoing total knee replacement.”
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