A multi-centre clinical research network across Scotland,
advancing orthopaedic and musculoskeletal science.
Linking national hospitals, academic medicine and clinical practice to generate high-quality evidence in orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal health.
Member Institutions
Research Programmes
Orthopaedics and Trauma · 2026;40(1):31–41 · doi:10.1016/j.mporth.2025.11.005
A review of how obesity shapes risk, technique and outcome in total hip arthroplasty — covering perioperative optimization, BMI cut-offs and equity of access, intraoperative strategy, long-term survivorship and cost-effectiveness — arguing that risk is graded rather than binary.
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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy · 2026;1–11 · doi:10.1002/ksa.70486
A nationwide registry analysis of 3,069 primary knee arthroplasties in patients aged 16–49 years (Scottish Arthroplasty Project, 2000–2019), with a date-matched cohort aged ≥50 for comparison. Overall, 8.3% underwent revision (15.5% cumulative incidence at 21 years) and the estimated lifetime revision risk was 31.3%; patients aged ≥50 had substantially lower revision risk (HR 0.4).
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Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics · 2026;13(2):e70726 · doi:10.1002/jeo2.70726
A PRISMA-ScR scoping review of 25 studies evaluating the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution in knee arthroplasty. VELYS improved implant positioning accuracy with a non-inferior early safety profile, but claims of improved patient outcomes, function and efficiency were not well-evidenced: the literature is largely retrospective, of moderate-to-poor quality, with no randomised controlled trials, and 64% of studies reported an industry conflict of interest.
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The Bone & Joint Journal · 2026;108-B(5):707–715 · doi:10.1302/0301-620X.108B5.BJJ-2025-0979.R1
A nationwide retrospective cohort study of 328 periprosthetic femur fractures managed across 16 Scottish centres in 2019. One-year mortality was 20.8% (SMR 2.74). Independent mortality predictors included interprosthetic fracture (aHR 2.65), male sex (aHR 1.76), older age, and higher pre-injury frailty. Management strategy was not independently associated with mortality after adjustment.
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British Journal of Sports Medicine · Epub ahead of print, 2026 · doi:10.1136/bjsports-2025-111225
A PRISMA-ScR scoping review of 199 studies examining weight-loss strategies in adults with obesity and hip or knee osteoarthritis, with focus on the emerging role of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Of 36 studies directly assessing GLP-1-RAs, 14 reported original data. Evidence is strongest for knee OA; hip OA data remain limited. GLP-1-RAs are recommended as adjuncts within supervised, multimodal musculoskeletal care.
View study pageA PRISMA-ScR scoping review of 16 studies (3,957 participants) exploring patient and public perceptions of robot-assisted surgery (RAS) in arthroplasty. Four themes emerged: interest, understanding, concerns, and influences on preference. Patients showed high interest but commonly overestimated RAS benefits and prevalence of use, with trust in the operating surgeon remaining a stronger influence than the technology itself.
View study pageResearch enquiries, collaboration proposals, and data access requests are welcome. We aim to respond within five working days. Chief Investigator: Dr Andrew J Hall, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews.
SCOTTISH Network is a collaborative academic research network. Enquiries regarding individual clinical referrals or NHS services should be directed to the relevant NHS board directly. Associated networks: SCOTnet (Scottish Collaborative Orthopaedic Trainee Research Network), Scottish Arthroplasty Project (Public Health Scotland), STRIKERS Elite Sports Group.
About the Network
SCOTTISH Network links three Scottish institutions across national hospital, academic and clinical settings. The network was established to conduct collaborative, high-quality research in orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal health, addressing questions that require population-scale data and multi-site expertise.
Research outputs are designed to inform clinical practice, national audit, and health policy across Scotland and beyond.
Project Authors
SCOTnet SNAP Femur Group
Collaborating members credited under the SCOTnet SNAP Femur Group authorship on the SNAP Femur study (Bone & Joint J 2026;108-B(5):707-715).