Can a cheaper plastic knee implant match the metal one in older adults?
NCT ID NCT02482493
First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial compares two types of knee replacement implants in people aged 75 and older: a standard metal-backed component and a cheaper all-polyethylene (plastic) one. The goal is to see if the all-polyethylene implant performs as well in terms of pain relief, movement, and how long it lasts. Participants are randomly assigned to receive one of the two implants and are followed for five years after surgery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- knee replacement implant (all-polyethylene tibial component vs metal-backed tibial component)
- What this could lead to
- If the all-polyethylene component performs as well as the metal-backed one, it could offer a more cost-effective option for knee replacement in older adults.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial, and the all-polyethylene component may not be as durable or effective as the metal-backed version over the long term.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for INFLAMMATORY ARTHROPATHY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Trauma & Orthopaedic Dept, Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Pembury, Kent, TN2 4QJ, United Kingdom
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could a common painkiller sabotage your knee treatment?
- Can a Mind-Body program ease knee pain and lift mood?
- Which knee implant feels more natural? a trial puts two designs to the test
- Could a quick insulin shot stop Steroid-Induced blood sugar spikes?
- Which Nerve-Blocking technique offers better knee pain relief?
- Knee replacement pain: can a simple injection match a nerve block?