The ongoing research represents our interests in trauma, knee surgery, sports medicine, osteoporosis, and joint replacement.

Several of our UOA surgeons participated in two international studies (FAITH and HEALTH trials) as investigators, and although our participation is complete, results from these trials are now being disseminated.

The HEALTH Study

The HEALTH primary manuscript was just published in September 2019 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The purpose of the multi-site study was to determine the effect or advantage of partial vs. total hip arthroplasty (replacement) following a displaced femoral neck fracture.

The study enrolled 1,495 patients who were over the age of 50 and were able to walk independently prior to the fracture. The study concluded that there was no advantage between the two types of surgery for displaced femoral neck fractures.

The study conclusion suggests the limited advantages of total hip arthroplasty, as well as the possible higher risk of complications, may be particularly important in regions of the world where total hip arthroplasty is not easily accessible or is cost-prohibitive.

The FAITH Study

Two FAITH secondary papers have recently been published, one in March 2018 in The Bone and Joint Journal and the other in May 2018 in Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, These papers helped to identify risk factors associated with revision surgery. These factors include female sex, obesity and cigarette smoking, to name just a few. Findings in both of these papers will help clinicians in their decision making when caring for the newly diagnosed hip fracture patient.

New Knee Implant

UOA is also participating in a post-marketing trial for an approved knee implant. David A. Harwood, MD is the principal investigator in this joint replacement protocol.

We have enrolled a total of 28 total knee replacement patients that are part of a phase IV clinical trial to examine the long term outcome of the Smith & Nephew Legion Knee implant. We are now having study patients return for their 10-year final study visit. The anticipated completion of this trial is spring 2020.

Our joint replacement specialists stay at the forefront of technology, technique and research. If you are considering a hip replacement, knee replacement or other joint replacement, request an appointment with our experts. They will lay out your options and help you choose one that fits with your lifestyle.