Studying diseases is important and what most people think about when they consider “finding cures” but there is also our mobility! For persons with arthritis, injury or degenerative conditions, being able to independently move about and manage their activities of daily living become the focus of their day.
Today’s medically advanced technology make it possible to for implants and devices to help correct joint problems and aid in reconstructive surgery on a variety of levels. From replacing the whole shoulder joint or a micro procedure in the hands, ankles or feet, this technology is improving people’s lives. Techniques have also progressed to allow surgeons to take into account the individual patient‘s anatomy, reduce healing time and make the best decision possible for the best end result.
Severe arthritis, traumatic injury and degenerative conditions are just a few of the reasons why someone would need to have a joint replacement or reconstructive procedure. Whole body donors play a significant role in the specific research and hands-on education that allows orthopedic surgeons to; develop and refine the types of implants or devices being used, learn minimally invasive surgical techniques and have the opportunity to “practice” before they work on a live patient. For surgeons, the ability to fine tune their skills has a huge impact on the care that individuals receive and they type of solution their doctor will choose to improve their quality of life.
Below are a few examples of implant/device and the companies working to improve quality of life through their research.
Orthohelix
Orthohelix has developed the CalcLock Extreme® Plate, an anatomically contoured plate that is designed to aid in the repair of calcaneal (heal bone) fractures. The plates come in a variety of sizes to meet surgeon preference and patient anatomy. http://www.orthohelix.com
Biomet
The Maestro™ Wrist Reconstructive System (WRS) is designed for use in total wrist joint repair and allows for an optimal fit for individual patient anatomy. www.biomet.com
The Core Institute
Biomechanics Laboratory
The SHRI-CORE Biomechanics Lab focuses on testing various orthopedic devices and implants. The purpose of this biomechanics research is to improve surgical planning and patient outcomes by comparing different surgical approaches and fixation techniques. The lab tests the many mechanical properties of implants and fixation techniques through simulation of real-life movements and stresses. www.thecoreinstitute.com
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