UK robotic arthroplasty clinical and cost effectiveness randomised controlled trial for hips (RACER-Hip): a study...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Robotics in Medicine
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Robotic-assisted total hip replacement (THR) is increasingly used globally.
• These systems may enhance surgical precision, reduce pain, and improve function, potentially lowering revision surgery rates.
• However, conventional surgery remains a cost-effective alternative, necessitating a thorough evaluation of robotic technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of robotic-assisted THR versus conventional THR.
• To evaluate patient-reported outcomes, including joint awareness, pain, function, and quality of life.
• To assess secondary outcomes such as blood loss, opioid usage, and reoperation rates.

Main Methods:

• A multicentre, participant-assessor blinded, randomised controlled trial (RACER-Hip) involving 378 participants with hip osteoarthritis.
• Participants are randomised (1:1) to receive either robotic-assisted THR or conventional THR.
• The primary outcome is the Forgotten Joint Score at 12 months, with comprehensive secondary outcomes collected over 10 years. Allocation concealment and blinding methods are employed, with intention-to-treat analysis.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: Forgotten Joint Score at 12 months post-randomisation.
• Secondary outcomes: Post-operative pain, blood loss, opioid usage.
• Long-term outcomes: Function, pain, quality of life, reoperations, and patient satisfaction at 3, 6, 12, 24 months, and 5 and 10 years.

Conclusions:

• The RACER-Hip trial will provide robust evidence on the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of robotic-assisted THR.
• Findings will inform clinical decision-making regarding the adoption of robotic technology in hip replacement surgery.
• Dissemination includes peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and patient-focused communication.