RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Alexander Barrett
Independent research 1
2016
Title: The Future of Knee Replacement.
Introduction and Overview of Research:
This is an investigation about traditional total knee arthroscopy and robotic partial knee
replacement. I currently plan on informing the public about the advantages,
disadvantages, and requirements for total knee replacement in comparison to Partial
knee replacement completed with robotics. I plan on creating a pamphlet to educate
possible knee replacement patients and distributing them to doctors offices.
Background and Rationale:
According to Clark in the Knee1 medical journal (2002), Knee replacement was
first performed in the 1970s and initially was not successful in comparison to other
procedures like hip replacement. Over the past years however, many advancements in
knee replacement have been made including new alternatives to glue and new more
advanced plastics and metals that increase the durability of replacements. Computer
systems have also been created to work with robotics to perform more accurate
surgeries on partial knee replacement.
Total knee replacement is still a very popular procedure; however, knew robotic
technology in robotics has allowed for more accurate partial knee replacement. Partial
knee replacement is not effective in all cases, however partial knee replacement
generally retains the posterior and anterior ligaments which are crucial for sports and
intense physical activities. Currently these ligaments are sacrificed in total knee
replacements but not in partial knee replacements.
My aim is to research why the posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments are so
essential to activity. I would like to spread awareness of current knee replacement
options that retain the posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments and the activities that
they are used for. Through my research I would also eventually like to develop new
techniques to retain the functions of a posterior and anterior ligament while completing a
total knee replacement.

Research Methodology:

Research Question- Does the superior accuracy and precision of Robotic Surgery allow for a
greater level of activity in knee replacement?
Research Thesis-The added accuracy and precision that robotic surgery provides a noticeable
improvement in the level of activity than total knee replacement.
In my paper I may argue about the current benefits and downfalls to robotic knee
replacement including the surgeries robotics is limited to currently and the benefits of
these procedures.
Research Design Model-Meta Analysis qualitative research. I chose meta-analysis
because at my current level of education I have very limited access to current human
trials and patients. I also chose qualitative research because as activity can be
measured in numerical values many factors would need to be taken into account where
quality of activity can easily be determined by patient experience.
Data Collection
I plan on creating a pamphlet which outlines robotic surgery and its activity benefits.
This will use meta-analysis to collect data and compile data about both robotic and
traditional knee replacements. I will create a new resource for patients to use as they
normally are not educated on the topic. I will create a pamphlet and a user friendly
website to educate patients about the new technologies available today as the average
joint replacement population is generally not educated in robotics and new technology
utilized in surgery
Product Objectives:
I plan on making a tri fold information booklet to distribute through medical offices about
possible alternatives to knee replacements including partial knee replacements. I plan
on distributing this information to possible knee replacement candidates or patients with
interest about alternatives to total knee replacement. The product will be displayed to
the focus group in easy to read pamphlets at doctors offices. They will include some
information, however they will also include a link and QR code for a website with more
information.
Logistical Considerations:
This Project will require access to sources of information of different types of
procedures for information gathering. This project will require lots of printing and
therefore the project will have a minimal cost. I plan to keep most information on a
website to allow large print on the pamphlets for my target group as well as minimal
printing costs. I can also provide a digital version of the pamphlet, allowing the offices
to print more as they see fit.

Approval:

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