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.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 88 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2017
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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75 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients suitable for simple cemented primary knee arthroplasty * Patients presenting with osteoarthritis of the knee * Patients with inflammatory arthropathy, requiring total knee arthroplasty * Patients must be ambulatory at time of preoperative assessment clinic * Patients must be able to understand instructions and be willing to return for follow up * Patients aged 75 years or over at the time of surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Previous knee surgery (except arthroscopic / open meniscectomy) * Patients with significant medical co-morbidity * Disorders causing abnormal gait or significant pain * Patients unable to consent * Severe visual impairment
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Trauma & Orthopaedic Dept, Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Pembury, Kent, TN2 4QJ, United Kingdom
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