Reconstructive Surgery Trials Network

🖐️ LINEUP Study Launch!
We’re conducting a national study on the treatment of post-axial polydactyly in children — one of the most common congenital hand differences.

Despite how frequent it is, there’s still no clear consensus on the best way to treat it. This multi-centre service evaluation aims to map current practice across the UK and understand the priorities of parents and families.

🏥 Now recruiting sites nationwide!
📚 Collaborator authorship available (PubMed-indexed) for those submitting 10+ cases.

Interested? Complete our Expression of Interest form or email us at [email protected].

We’re getting closer to the launch of HAWAII-DRIFT 🌊 — our new clinical trial starting December 2025.

Hand & wrist fractures are common, and K-wires are widely used. But should these wires be buried under the skin or left exposed? The evidence is still unclear — and this trial aims to change that.

🔎 Study in brief:
• Adults 16+ with hand/wrist fractures needing K-wire fixation
• Comparing Buried vs Exposed K-wires
• Outcomes: Surgical Site Infection (90 days) + recovery at 6 months
• Target: 470 participants across 22+ UK sites

🌍 We’re still looking for new sites to join!

📲 Want to learn more or get involved?
👉 Scan the QR code or email [email protected]

Your support helps shape better care for thousands of patients after fracture surgery. 💪

We are still recruiting to get more centres for SENSEI. Scan the QR code and get involved!

🚨 We’re launching HAWAII-DRIFT 🌊 (Hand And Wrist: Antimicrobials and Infection – Buried vs Exposed K-wires In Fracture fixaTion) in December 2025.

👩‍⚕️ Why this research?
Broken bones in the hand and wrist are very common. Surgery often involves fixing fractures with wires (K-wires). But should these wires be left exposed, or buried under the skin? We don’t yet know which is safer for patients.

🔎 The trial
Adults 16+ with hand/wrist fractures requiring K-wire fixation
Intervention A: Buried K-wires
Intervention B: Exposed K-wires
Outcome: Compare risk of Surgical Site Infection (SSI) at 90 days, plus recovery at 6 months

🌍 Recruitment
We aim to recruit 470 participants across 22+ sites in the UK.

📲 Interested in getting involved or learning more?
👉 Scan the QR code or email [email protected]

Together, we can improve fracture care for thousands of patients. 💪

🚨We have a great opportunity to get involved!🚨

Please answer 5 questions about what you typically do for patients with cubital tunnel syndrome

https://forms.gle/XpZQyvzZG8miHK7Z8

Your answers will help us to design a future NIHR-funded multicentre study on the cost-effectiveness and prognostic values of preoperative tests for adults undergoing cubital tunnel decompression.

A fantastic opportunity to join an exciting research methodology course in Bristol later this year. Get signed up through the QR code on here!

One of our latest projects is SENSEI and we are taking expressions of interest from UK centres now! This promises to be a fantastic audit to be involved with!

Scan the QR code or get in touch with this link below:
https://forms.gle/xqVGi2F8EiEr2DGJ7

Every year, 200,000 people in the UK have skin cancer surgically removed. For those with ulcerated skin cancers, the risk of wound infection is six times higher. Despite this, there’s no clear guidance on whether preventative antibiotics should be used before surgery.

The EXCISE Trial aims to answer this question. We’re recruiting 380 patients across UK NHS hospitals to take part in a pragmatic, double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Participants will receive either a one-off dose of antibiotics or a placebo, with follow-up to assess infection rates, recovery, and impact on daily life.

This research will provide vital evidence to ensure the best treatment for future patients. Interested in taking part? Email [email protected] to express your interest.

The DISTRACT Study: A New Non-Surgical Approach to Thumb Base Osteoarthritis

Thumb base osteoarthritis (TBOA) is common, with limited treatment options before surgery. The DISTRACT orthosis aims to off-load joint forces, potentially slowing or reversing disease progression - without surgery.

We’re running a first-in-human feasibility study and need patients' and clinicians' input via surveys to guide trial design.

Interested in PubMed-cited collaborator status? Complete:
✅ 5 patient surveys
✅ 8 clinician surveys (hand surgeons/trainees, therapists, rheumatologists, GPs)

Register now to get involved! [Link in bio]

For more information, please check the RSTN website or email [email protected]

Massive thanks to everyone who joined us for the RSTN Trials Day 2024! Your enthusiasm made it a day to remember. A huge thank you to the committee for organising such a fantastic event and to Oriel College for being the perfect host. Here’s to the next one!

We are now 4 days from our CLARIFY and Trials Day Courses! Still time to get signed up and attend. And don't forget the delegates dinner too!

Programme for the day coming soon!

The delegates dinner is always an excellent way to meet your colleagues, network and have some time to relax.

Get yourself signed up ASAP! Link in our bio now!