Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

David R. Ellard is a leading clinical trialist whose work is reshaping the evidence base for orthopedic surgery. His primary research focuses on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of robotic-assisted arthroplasty, specifically for knee and hip replacements. Ellard’s major contribution lies in designing and leading the landmark RACER (Robotic Arthroplasty Clinical and cost Effectiveness Randomised controlled trial) program. These high-impact, pragmatic trials directly address a critical gap in surgical evidence: whether the significant expense of robotic-arm systems translates into tangible, superior outcomes for patients compared to conventional surgery. His 2023 protocol for the RACER-knee trial, with 17 citations, and the companion RACER-Hip protocol, with 5 citations, are foundational documents for this field. By rigorously evaluating surgical precision against patient-reported outcomes and healthcare costs, Ellard’s work provides the definitive data needed to guide surgical decision-making and health policy. He is a key figure in ensuring that the adoption of costly surgical technology is driven by robust evidence rather than market forces, making him an essential voice for students and researchers interested in evidence-based surgery and health technology assessment.