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Undergoing hip replacement improves five-year quality of life

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery experience significant improvements in quality of life (QOL) through at least five years after the procedure. The SF-6D score, a widely used measure of patient-perceived QOL, showed lasting improvements in scores.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 15, 2017

Study finds knee surgery holds even in heavier patients

A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that body mass index (BMI) has no effect on meniscus repair surgery failure rates. The research found similar success rates for patients with average and higher BMI, challenging common assumptions about weight and joint pressure.

SourceMediaSource·JournalThe Journal of Knee Surgery·DateMar 6, 2017

Improvements in ACL surgery may help prevent knee osteoarthritis

A new review suggests that improved ACL reconstruction techniques can restore normal knee motion and slow degenerative changes associated with osteoarthritis. The placement of a graft on the femur is crucial for preventing cartilage thinning, a key factor in maintaining joint health and function.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateFeb 21, 2017

Nanofiber coating prevents infections of prosthetic joints

A novel nanofiber coating with antibiotic-releasing properties has shown promise in preventing serious bacterial infections related to total joint replacement surgery. The coating was found to completely eradicate infection and prevent bone loss, a common complication that leads to prosthetic loosening and failure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016

Stem cells engineered to grow cartilage, fight inflammation

Researchers have developed a technique to program stem cells to grow new cartilage on a 3-D template shaped like the ball of a hip joint. The cartilage can release anti-inflammatory molecules to fend off arthritis. The discovery may provide an alternative to hip-replacement surgery, particularly in younger patients.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Computational modeling can predict onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis in overweight people

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has developed a computational model that can predict the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis in overweight people. The model analyzes the degradation of the collagen fibril network in articular cartilage and simulates the effect of various loadings on cartilage cells.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2016

A slick way to test artificial knees and hips

Researchers discovered that albumin and globulin proteins improve the tribology of artificial joint implants, suggesting a potential solution to reduce wear and tear. The findings have implications for extending the lifespan of prosthetic joints and improving patient quality of life.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Surface Science and Engineering·DateMay 19, 2016

Soft wearable robot lightens heavy loads

A flexible exosuit developed by Harvard University researchers reduces the metabolic cost of loaded walking by 7.3% on average, allowing wearers to return to a natural walking profile. The device is composed of textiles and assists the hip and ankle joints, reducing work done without impacting movement freedom.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateMay 11, 2016

Bariatric surgery before knee replacement cost-effective in improving outcomes in obese patients

A study finds that bariatric surgery prior to total knee replacement improves quality of life in morbidly obese patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. The research suggests a cost-effective option to reduce complications and costs associated with joint replacement, with a predicted cost per QALY of $13,910.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 18, 2016