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RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Development of an Outcome Score for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis and Knee Joint Endoprosthesis Using an App

This study is looking into how people with knee or hip osteoarthritis experience their joint replacements. Many patients have high hopes, but some are still unhappy afterwards. Researchers are testing a new smartphone app, called KneeApp, which collects information about your movement and asks you questions about your health and how you feel. By combining this app data with other health details, they hope to create a new way to predict if someone will be happy with their surgery outcome. This will help doctors better understand and support patients, ultimately aiming to improve overall satisfaction after knee and hip replacement operations.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Phase
NA
Sponsor
Technical University of Munich
Enrolment target
1,250
Start
01 Oct 2025
Estimated completion
31 Aug 2028

What is this study about?

Knee and hip replacement operations are very common. While these surgeries can greatly improve someone's life, many patients still find they aren't as satisfied as they'd hoped, even after the operation. This can be due to continued pain, feeling limited in what they can do, or simply because their expectations weren't fully met. Identifying these problems early, both before and soon after surgery, is really important.

This study is trying to tackle this issue by developing a new tool, an app called KneeApp. Most current ways to check how well a patient is doing only look at a short period. The KneeApp is special because it can track information about your movement over a long time, potentially even years before and after surgery. This information, combined with answers to health questionnaires and special movement tests you do, will help researchers build a clearer picture of what contributes to a successful outcome.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a score that can predict how satisfied a patient will be after their knee or hip replacement. This score will use all the information collected through the app and other tests. By understanding what factors lead to better or worse outcomes, doctors can offer more personalised advice and support, helping patients have a better experience and be happier with their surgery results.

Key takeaways

  • Researchers are developing an app to predict satisfaction after joint replacement surgery.
  • The app collects movement data and health information from participants.
  • This could help doctors give more personalised support to patients.
  • It's a study for adults with or without knee/hip problems, who speak German and have a smartphone.
  • Participation involves using an app or answering questionnaires, with no changes to your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in the study, you need to be 18 years old or older. You must also be able to speak German, as the app is currently only available in German. It's essential that you have your own smartphone, which you use regularly.

There are three main groups in the study. The 'App-Group' includes people having or who have had a knee or hip replacement. The 'Non-App-Group' also includes people having or who have had these operations, but they won't use the app. Finally, there's a 'Healthy-Group' for adults who don't have any problems with their legs. All participants need to agree to take part.

You won't be able to join if you're under 18, don't agree to participate, haven't been diagnosed with the right conditions (for the patient groups), or if you don't have a smartphone (for the app-using groups).

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Are you 18 years old or older?
  2. Do you have your own smartphone?
  3. Can you speak German fluently?
  4. Are you willing to give your consent to participate?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be giving information over time. For those using the app (App-Group and Healthy-Group), the app will collect movement data that's already on your phone, plus new data as you go about your daily life. You'll choose what information you want to share. You'll also be asked to do some simple walking and knee movement tests using your phone. Every now and then, you'll fill out questionnaires about your health and how you feel about the app.

The other group (Non-App-Group) will also provide information through questionnaires, but they won't use the app for movement data. The study doesn't involve any medical treatments or changes to your usual care. The total duration of your involvement will be decided by the researchers, but the app is designed to collect data for a very long time.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is contributing to research that could improve how doctors predict and support patients undergoing knee and hip replacement surgery, potentially leading to better outcomes for future patients. There are no direct medical risks as the study only involves data collection and does not change your treatment. A potential inconvenience could be the time spent completing questionnaires and performing gait tests with your phone. Your privacy is important; the app collects data you agree to share. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

  • Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Orthopaedics TUM University Hospital Rechts der Isar
    Verified postcode
    Munich, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to create a new score, using an app, to predict how satisfied patients will be after knee or hip replacement surgery.

Do I need a smartphone to participate?

Yes, if you're in the 'App-Group' or 'Healthy-Group', you need your own smartphone to use the study app.

Will using the app change my medical treatment?

No, participating in this study and using the app will not change any of your current or planned medical treatments.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The app is designed to collect long-term data, but the specific duration of your involvement can be discussed with the study team.

What kind of information does the app collect?

The app collects information about your movement, and you'll also be asked to complete health questionnaires and simple walking tests.

How to find out more

Christina Valle, Dr. med

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Development of an Outcome Score for Patients With Knee Osteo…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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