Add BrightSurf on Google Email

UCI engineers aim to pioneer tissue-engineering approach to TMJ disorders

Researchers at UCI are working on biological TMJ discs in the laboratory that will be suitable for implantation in humans. The new approach eschews synthetic materials and aims to reduce negative effects on quality of life. Successful trials have been conducted in large-animal models, showing complete functionality of the TMJ disc.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·DateMar 20, 2019

Medicare's bundled payment experiment for joint replacements shows moderate savings

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School found that Medicare's bundled payment model for hip and knee replacement surgeries resulted in a 3.1% reduction in costs, with $812 in savings per procedure. The model also reduced the use of skilled nursing care after hospitalization.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 2, 2019

Artificial joint restores wrist-like movements to forearm amputees

A new artificial joint, developed by Chalmers University of Technology, has restored important wrist-like movements to forearm amputees. The joint works with an osseointegrated implant system, allowing for much more naturalistic movements and intuitive control without sacrificing useful biological actuators.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateNov 28, 2018

Prolonged opioid use before knee or hip replacement surgery increases risk of poor outcomes

A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that patients taking prescription opioids for more than 60 days before total knee or hip replacement surgery are at higher risk of hospital readmission and repeat joint-replacement surgery. Prolonged opioid use was associated with an increased risk of both adverse outcomes,...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 18, 2018

Early, intensive treatment of RA offers long-term benefits, may normalise mortality rates

A 23-year follow-up study suggests early, intensive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can lead to long-term benefits, including normalization of mortality rates. The study found that patients treated with a combination of medications had lower mortality rates compared to those treated with a single medication.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

Frequency of joint replacements halved in rheumatoid arthritis patients between 1997-2010

The frequency of joint replacements in rheumatoid arthritis patients decreased by 51.9% over the past decade, suggesting improved treatment strategies. Biological therapy was found to have a limited impact on this reduction, with no significant association with total hip replacement or knee replacement procedures.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

What is the best way to treat infected hip replacements?

A recent study has found that treating an infected hip replacement in a single stage procedure may be as effective or better than the widely used two-stage procedure. The one-stage revision strategy is shown to have advantages for patients, including shorter hospital stays and reduced functional impairment. However, further research is...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 5, 2018

Earwigs and the art of origami

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a self-folding material inspired by the earwig's wing, which can operate without muscular actuation. This innovation has potential applications in space travel, foldable electronics, and everyday objects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMar 22, 2018

New osteoarthritis genes discovered

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified nine novel genes associated with osteoarthritis. Researchers used the UK Biobank resource and found that five of these genes differ significantly in their expression between healthy and diseased cartilage, offering new targets for future research into therapies.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 19, 2018

Bone marrow edema in lower spine is common in young athletes

Young recreational and elite athletes often accumulate excess fluid in bone marrow around joint connecting spine to pelvis. Magnetic resonance imaging detects this excess fluid in healthy individuals, raising debate about diagnostic thresholds for axial spondyloarthropathy.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 13, 2018