Researchers at the department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports medicine have been given a ZonMw grant for research into optimizing arthroscopic treatment in an ageing population where the resources are scarce.

Principal Investigator Prof. Dr. Gino Kerkhoffs, Drs. Alex Walinga, Dr. Kaj Emanuel, dr. Corianne de Borgie and their team from the department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine from Amsterdam UMC have received a €571,791 grant from ZonMw for their study: "Surgery vs. Minimal Invasive Needle Arthroscopy for Patients with Bacterial Knee Arthritis – A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Cost-Effectiveness Trial (MINA-Trial)." This trial aims to optimize and ensure scarce operating room capacity amid high pressure from ageing populations, high costs, and capacity and personnel shortages. Innovation is crucial to maintain orthopedic care at the highest level.

The MINA-Trial will compare minimal invasive needle arthroscopy (MINA) with conventional arthroscopy, aiming to test if MINA is equally effective and more cost-efficient by reducing surgeries and shortening hospital stays. This will benefit patients and save valuable operating time for other needs.

Participating centers include:Amphia Ziekenhuis (Dr. van Geenen), Erasmus MC (Prof. Dr. Eygendaal), Flevoziekenhuis (Dr. Krips), Spaarne Gasthuis (Prof. Dr. Nolte), and Ter Gooi MC (Dr. Verhagen),

The project is set to last 4.5 years, concluding in July 2029.