An NHS research team is on the hunt for thousands of people scheduled for joint replacements as part of a nationwide study aimed at improving patient outcomes and experiences.

Hip and knee replacements rank amongst the most frequently performed operations conducted by the NHS, with countless individuals undergoing these procedures annually.

While most patients are highly satisfied post-operation, there are instances where the procedure falls short of providing effective relief.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust surgeons and researchers have thus launched the UK-wide ARC (Arthroplasty Research Cohort) Study to examine how varying lifestyle and health factors might influence the outcomes of these surgeries.

Their goal is to pinpoint those patients likelier to experience poorer outcomes.

Patients across the UK, from all walks of life, are being invited to volunteer online, providing detailed baseline information about their lifestyle, health, and joint issues before their surgery.

This online format aims to gather a diverse group of respondents, differing from the traditional recruitment approach within specific hospitals.

Following their operation, these participants will be contacted after a short period, and then again at four months, eight months, one year, and two years, to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgery and any difficulties or complications they may have experienced.

The project hopes to enlist at least 5,000 people over a five-year timeframe.

The invaluable data gathered should help guarantee that those tackling joint issues receive the best treatment possible, and align future research towards making these operations even more successful.

Principal investigator, Mr Will Fishley, an orthopaedic speciality registrar currently at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Hip and knee replacements are a common and generally very successful operation which in many cases help people regain mobility, independence or simply enhance their quality of life.

"However, there are patients for whom the procedure is not as successful, due to a range of factors. An individual’s health and lifestyle circumstances can play a major role in this, which is why we are encouraging anyone planning to have a hip and knee replacement to sign up for this research."

On top of contributing to the data collection, participants may also receive invitations to take part in further trials exploring lifestyle changes or treatments.

All UK residents aged 18 and above, currently on a waiting list for a hip or knee replacement and who haven't undergone any prior replacement on the specific joint, meet the criteria to take part.

Northumbria Healthcare's consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Professor Mike Reed is supervising the research. Prof Reed said: "This is an innovative study which seeks to use modern technology to recruit patients from across the country and gain a real understanding into patient experiences and outcomes after hip and knee replacements."

Beyond online recruitment, traditional patient recruiting within hospitals is also underway, with the inclusion of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to the study.

To sign up, or to gather more information about the study, please visit https://www.arcstudy.org.uk/.