Surgical Intervention Trials Unit
New study highlights benefit of surgery for children with cerebral palsy
A new national study has found that single-event multi-level surgery (SEMLS) helps straighten the legs and improves walking ability in children with cerebral palsy.
Read moreWELCOME TO THE SURGICAL INTERVENTION TRIALS UNIT (SITU NDORMS)
SITU is one of eight Royal College of Surgeons of England specialist trials centres dedicated to evaluating surgical intervention, mainly by generating randomised control trial evidence. We are a multidisciplinary team who provide, guidance, training and support for the development of new surgical trials and future trialists. We draw upon the considerable methodological and practical trials expertise in Oxford including statistical, ethical, health economic, systematic review, clinical network resources and the IDEAL collaboration.
Currently, less than 5% of government funding for medical research goes into surgery
ABOUT
We are a centre of excellence in surgical trials, answering important global surgical questions.
RESEARCH
Read about our research and collaborations in the medical and healthcare research community.
TEAM
Meet our multidisciplinary team of worldwide experts in surgical trials.
Latest news
New study highlights benefit of surgery for children with cerebral palsy
2 December 2025
A new national study has found that single-event multi-level surgery (SEMLS) helps straighten the legs and improves walking ability in children with cerebral palsy.
Both total and partial knee replacements deliver lasting benefits at 10 years
19 November 2025
New research from a randomised clinical trial provides the strongest long-term evidence yet comparing partial (PKR) and total (TKR) knee replacements for patients with osteoarthritis. Published in The Lancet Rheumatology, the study shows both PKR and TKR being equally effective and offering similar clinical outcomes.
NDORMS enhances surgical research capacity in Vietnam
3 November 2025
Prof David Beard was the keynote speaker at a recent Surgical Trials Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, contributing to improved treatment quality and greater international integration in healthcare and medical science.
The GEKO trial aims to bridge the gap in knee osteoarthritis care
31 October 2025
A new multicentre trial to evaluate a minimally invasive treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis could transform the way knee osteoarthritis is managed, potentially improving quality of life for patients long before surgery becomes necessary.
NDORMS team develops new national course for all UK surgical trainees
15 October 2025
A new national online surgical research course designed to equip every surgical trainee in the UK with the skills to critically engage with, and contribute to, surgical research has been developed at NDORMS.
Study finds tailored exercise programme feasible for adults over 80 with osteoarthritis
9 October 2025
A new NDORMS study has found that a tailored exercise programme for people aged 80 years and older with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis and other long term health conditions is both practical and acceptable, paving the way for a large clinical trial.
