SCIENTIFIC LOW CARB DIET RESEARCH
Our Research with the CSIRO on Low-Carb Diet Before Joint Replacement Trial
WHY IS THE TRIAL IMPORTANT?
Many patients are seeking to improve their health before they undergo hip or knee replacement surgery. In Australia, 60% of patients undergoing knee replacement are a little overweight, with a BMI of 30 or above. Patients with a BMI over 30 are known to have higher blood sugars after surgery (even if you are not diabetic) and this has been associated with complications such as infection. This clinical trial, through Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine & Professor Grant Brinkworth from the Australian government agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) seeks to clarify if dietary change before surgery can improve patient outcomes.
WHO IS CONDUCTING THE RESEARCH?
Dr Daniel Meyerkort, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine is the principal researcher in association with Professor Grant Brinkworth from the CSIRO. Professor Brinkworth is the Author of the CSIRO Low Carb Diet books and has extensive experience in safe weight loss, having sold over 300,000 copies of his book.
WHERE IS THE TRIAL BEING CONDUCTED?
The trial is being conducted through Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Centre and Hollywood Private Hospital in Perth Western Australia.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PARTAKING IN THE TRIAL?
Patients requiring hip or knee replacement will be asked to either follow their normal diet, or the CSIRO Low Carb diet for 6 weeks before surgery. During surgery, a small painless sensor will be applied to your abdomen which will record sugar levels continuously for 10 days after surgery. Other routine measurements will be taken such as your weight and clinical scores. We are studying if patients in the CSIRO Low Carb Diet arm have better blood sugar control and weight loss compared to the patients on their normal diet.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ENROL IN THE STUDY?
Patients requiring hip or knee replacement in Perth and who have a BMI over 28 are eligible to enrol in the study. Other criteria include
With or without diabetes (However diabetic patients on Insulin cannot enrol in the study)
Surgery at Hollywood Private Hospital
Unilateral (one side) hip or knee replacement
WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED IN PARTAKING IN THE STUDY?
Dr Daniel Meyerkort performs ‘No Gap’ hip and knee replacement surgery in Perth for all health funds. This means there is no additional surgical fee above what your insurance will fund. No additional costs are associated with partaking in the study. Standard fees are payable for clinic visits, hospital excess etc. All knee replacements are performed with robotic assistance.
INTERESTED IN THE DETAILS?
Full details and the study protocol are available in the below link.
https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378637&isReview=true
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