Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Human Tendon Tissue Collection

This study looks at small pieces of tendon tissue from adults having planned orthopaedic surgery. These pieces are normally removed and discarded. Researchers want to use this tissue to learn more about how healthy tendons work and why they get injured or diseased. You won't have any extra tests or procedures. If you agree, a tiny piece of tendon already being removed during your surgery will be used. Researchers will also look at some general, non-identifiable health information, like your age. The aim is to create better lab models for studying tendon problems, which could lead to improved treatments in the future for conditions like tendinopathy.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

400

Start

04 Nov 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2031

Tendinopathy Musculoskeletal Diseases or Conditions ACL Surgery Achilles Tendon Surgery

What is this study about?

Imagine your tendons as strong ropes connecting your muscles to your bones. Sometimes, these ropes get injured or develop problems, like tendinopathy, causing pain and making it hard to move. Currently, it's difficult for scientists to study these problems accurately in the lab because they don't have good models that truly act like human tendons.

This study is a bit like a detective mission. Researchers want to use small pieces of human tendon tissue, which are routinely removed during certain planned orthopaedic surgeries and would otherwise be thrown away. By studying these pieces, they hope to understand why tendons get injured and how tendon diseases develop. This understanding could lead to new and better ways to treat tendon problems in the future.

If you take part, your surgery won't change at all. A small, leftover piece of tendon will be collected by the medical team during your operation. Researchers will then use this tissue to look at how tendon cells work and to build advanced models in the lab. They will also look at some basic, non-identifiable health information (like your age and why you had surgery) to help them understand their findings better. This research aims to benefit many people by improving our general understanding of tendon health.

Key takeaways

This study uses leftover tendon tissue from routine surgery, not extra procedures.
It aims to improve understanding of tendon health and disease for future treatments.
Your surgery and care remain unchanged.
No personal identity will be linked to your donated tissue or medical information.
You won't get direct benefits, but your donation helps future research.
You can withdraw your consent at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You must also be having an orthopaedic operation on your lower leg (like for ACL or Achilles tendon problems) where some tendon tissue is removed as part of the normal procedure and would usually be thrown away.

Crucially, you need to be able to understand the study information and give your clear permission (consent) to take part.

You cannot take part if you are under 18 years old, or if you can't understand or agree to the study, for example, if you have difficulty with English. Also, if the tendon tissue being removed is actually needed for your medical care and isn't just 'extra' or 'waste' material, then you wouldn't be able to donate it for this research.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having planned lower leg orthopaedic surgery?
Will some tendon tissue be removed during your surgery that would normally be discarded?
Can you understand the study information and clearly agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it's very straightforward. All that's involved is giving your permission (consent) before your planned orthopaedic surgery. During your operation, the surgical team will collect a small piece of tendon tissue that is already being removed as part of your normal procedure and would otherwise be discarded. You won't have any extra tests, procedures, or follow-up appointments specifically for this study. Your surgery and recovery will be exactly the same as if you weren't taking part. There are no changes to your medical care at all. The researchers will also access some general medical information about you, such as your age, the reason for your surgery, and your general health history. This information will not identify you personally.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical risks or extra procedures involved for you by taking part in this study, as it only uses tissue already being removed. There are also no direct benefits to you personally. However, the information learned from your donated tissue could help researchers understand tendon diseases better and potentially lead to improved treatments for others in the future. You are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Royal London Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom
Newham Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

Will taking part in this study change my surgery?

No, your surgery will be exactly the same. No extra steps are added for the study.

Will I have any extra appointments or follow-up for this study?

No, there are no extra appointments, visits, or follow-ups required from you for this study.

Will I get any results from the research?

You won't receive individual results. The study aims to learn about tendons in general, not about your personal health specifically.

Will my personal information be shared?

No. The researchers will only use information that doesn't identify you, like your age and general health details.

Can I change my mind after agreeing to take part?

Yes, you can withdraw your permission at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Mays Jawad, PhD

research.governance@qmul.ac.uk 020 7882 7275/6574 Official trial record

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