Massive medicare study aims to improve joint replacement safety

NCT ID NCT02281747

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at records from over 500,000 Medicare beneficiaries with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis who had major orthopedic procedures like joint replacements or spine surgery between 1999 and 2015. Researchers want to understand how often complications happen and whether care has improved over time. The goal is to find ways to reduce risks and improve outcomes for people undergoing these surgeries.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this research could identify ways to improve care before and after orthopedic surgeries, potentially reducing complications and improving outcomes for people with arthritis.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study using existing data, not a clinical trial testing a new treatment. It cannot prove cause and effect, and findings may not apply to all patient groups.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

ankylosing spondylitis rheumatoid arthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), 9

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States