Interview with Mr Andrew Metcalfe - Procedures for Primary Elective Knee Replacement

Description

The transcript features a detailed discussion on knee arthroplasty choices, led by Alasdair Santini with contributions from Andrew Metcalfe and Chloe Scott. The session opens with Santini introducing the panel consisting of himself, Metcalfe, who represents NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), and Scott. Metcalfe shares his insights from participating in the NICE Guideline Committee, highlighting the collaborative nature of the committee with various professionals, including surgeons, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. He emphasizes that the process was evidence-driven with a focus on delivering the best patient care while considering economic factors.



As the conversation progresses, Scott questions NICE's recommendation for routine patella resurfacing in knee arthroplasty, noting it is a controversial topic among UK surgeons. Metcalfe explains that the decision was influenced by extensive evidence review, specifically citing studies indicating that resurfacing could reduce the risk of secondary operations, despite the lack of consensus among surgeons.



The discussion touches on the necessity of presenting patients with information to make informed choices about their treatment options, including both total knee replacements and unicompartmental knee replacements. Metcalfe discusses the economic implications and the driving factors behind the guidelines, asserting that patient preferences played a critical role in the recommendations.



Overall, the session explores the intricacies of knee arthroplasty, emphasizing a patient-centered approach while navigating the complexities of surgical practices and healthcare economics.

Specialties