Clinical Research Directory

Study Comparing Two Methods for the Treatment of Large Chondral and Osteochondral Defects of the Knee

The major objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the MACT versus the AMT for the treatment of large cartilage defects in patellofemoral and femorotibial injuries.

Introduction of ACI for Cartilage Repair

This study was aimed to evaluate effectiveness and safety of autologous chondrocyte suspension for treatment of knee articular cartilage defects.

A Study of MACI in Patients Aged 17 to 65 Years With Symptomatic Chondral or Osteochondral Defects of the Ankle

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the superiority of MACI (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane) versus Bone Marrow Stimulation in the treatment of patients aged 17 to 65 years with symptomatic articular chondral or osteochondral defects of the talus.

Use of BMAC With Hip Arthroscopy Treatment of FAI and Labral Tear

Femoro-acetabular impingement is a well known cause of damage to the acetabular labrum and chondrolabral junction. Additionally, it has been proposed that disruption of hip biomechanics resulting from a labral tear causes a faster progression towards osteoarthritis (OA). This progression has been observed to begin with breakdown of the chondrolabral junction with later development of diffuse osteoarthritis. Use of hip arthroscopy has increased dramatically in recent years to treat symptomatic labral tears and potentially avoid the morbidity and cost associated with hip osteoarthritis. Correction of labral pathology presents a technical challenge and many techniques currently exist. Increased understanding of the structure-functional relationship dictated by labral anatomy has led to the development of methods aimed at restoring functional anatomy by re-establishing the labrum's native position and contour on the rim of the acetabulum. Therefore, akin to repairing a torn meniscus in the knee, restoring the anatomic footprint of a torn labrum will reconstitute normal joint biomechanics. Despite the advances in techniques for labral repair, strategies for mitigating or repairing damage to the chondrolabral junction do not yet exist. This area has been shown to consist of hyaline and fibro cartilage. Many techniques for cartilage repair exist, although most are not feasible due to technical challenges specific to the hip joint. The management of articular cartilage defects is one of the most challenging clinical problems for orthopaedic surgeons. Articular cartilage has a limited intrinsic healing capacity, and pathology frequently results in gradual tissue deterioration. Currently, the standard surgical intervention for end-stage degenerative joint pathology is total joint replacement. Early surgical interventions for symptomatic cartilage lesions including cell based therapies such as autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) implantation, or microfracture have been suggested to restore normal joint congruity and minimize further joint deterioration. Techniques such as ACI, which have been successfully used in the knee joint, have limited application in the hip due to the technical difficulties of open procedures.

The Biomechanical Outcomes of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

Injury to the knee can damage the lining of the knee's bones, called cartilage. Cartilage injuries cause pain and limit movement, making activities like walking, playing sports, and working difficult. Cartilage cannot repair itself well, so surgery is often needed to repair it. People who have cartilage repair surgery want to return to normal activities after their operation. Doctors and scientists know the operation can reduce pain, but do not fully understand how it affects movement. This research will help us see if knee function gets better after cartilage repair surgery. The results will help doctors and patients understand what to expect from the surgery. It could also uncover common problems after surgery that could be fixed with physiotherapy. This research is important because untreated cartilage injuries can develop into arthritis later in life. Arthritis is a painful lifelong condition that could be prevented by effectively treating the cartilage injury. In this study, adult patients who are waiting to have a type of cartilage repair surgery called 'autologous chondrocyte implantation' (ACI) at one of 7 hospitals will be invited to take part in the study by their surgeon. Patients who decide to take part will be invited to two appointments at their own hospital, where assessments of their knee function will be performed. The tests will assess the knee's movement, and the patient's balance and walking abilities. The first research appointment will take place before the operation, and the second and final appointment will take place 6-months after surgery. The results of this study will help us understand how knee function changes after cartilage repair surgery. The study will take place across 7 ACI centres in England, and is funded by Orthopaedic Research UK and the British Association for Surgery of the Knee.

EB-OC for the Treatment of Focal Chondral/Osteochondral Defects in the Knee

EB-OC is a tissue engineered osteochondral tissue graft comprising of a living tissue engineered cartilage layer attaching to a bone scaffold. The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about in the safety and efficacy of the EB-OC graft in participants who require repair of chondral/osteochondral defects of the knee. The main question it aims to answer is if the EB-OC graft works to regenerate osteochondral tissue comprising of native hyaline cartilage anchors to the regenerated bone. Participants will receive treatment of either the EB-OC Graft implantation in an arthrotomy procedure or abrasion chondroplasty. Researchers will compare results from the EB-OC graft to abrasion chondroplasty to assess overall safety and effectiveness.

A Study of MACI in Patients Aged 10 to 17 Years With Symptomatic Chondral or Osteochondral Defects of the Knee

The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of MACI® vs arthroscopic microfracture in the treatment of patients aged 10 to 17 years with symptomatic articular chondral or osteochondral defects of the knee.

Effect of PRP, PPP, & BMAC on Functional Outcomes Following Hip Arthroscopy for Acetabular Labral Pathologies

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the effect of PRP/PPP/BMAC application on functional outcomes after hip arthroscopy to address acetabular labral pathologies. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does PRP/PPP/BMAC application improve functional outcomes after hip arthroscopy to address acetabular labral pathologies? 2. Does PRP/PPP/BMAC application reduce the arthritic burden as measured by functional outcomes following hip arthroscopy to address labral pathologies with concomitant PRP/PPP/BMAC application?

Knee Registry (Knieregister)

Rationale: In view of patient care, patient characteristics and treatment parameters are registered for all patients visiting the Mobility Clinic of the University Medical Center Utrecht for orthopaedic knee treatment. Patients also fill out questionnaires for function, pain and mobility of the knee, before and after treatment. Objective: The main objective of this registry is to collect patient characteristics and treatment parameters together with data from the questionnaires in a database. This knee registry can be used for future research questions. Study design: This is a longitudinal observational registry. Study population: All patients that visit the Mobility Clinic will be asked to participate in the knee registry. Patients that meet one or more of the following criteria will be excluded: are below the age of 16, not able or willing to sign the broad consent form, not being able to read and understand Dutch language, or receiving medical treatment for their knee elsewhere. Main study parameters/endpoints: Data will be collected for future research for which the purpose is not known at this time. When new research will be conducted, study parameters will be set. A study application has to be submitted to the institutional ethical review board of the University Medical Center Utrecht. Patients do not need to be asked permission for the use of their data for each study individually. Only when additional information is needed. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: The burden for patients to participate in this registry is minimal and consists of time. Any future results may be beneficial for patients. Participation or refusal to participate in the registry has no consequences for their treatment.