Research in Orthopaedics
There are three main Department research themes.
Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReATE) Group
Tissue Engineering (TE) and Regenerative Medicine (RM) strategies which aim to combine a patient’s own cells with biodegradable scaffolds and growth factors, may offer considerable advantages over current surgical interventions used to repair or regenerate damaged tissues following trauma or disease.
The CReATE group consists of a multidisciplinary research team led by Dr Tim Woodfield, and is working at the interface of cell-biology, biomaterials science and engineering.
Using advanced 3D scaffolds and in-vitro culture techniques, combined with adult human stem cells, our group is attempting to identify the complex cellular environments controlling tissue growth in 3D, and their application in translating cell-based therapies to the clinic.
Prospective clinical outcome studies
These are mainly long term prospective outcome studies on various types of total joint replacements.
In addition the department is responsible for the National Joint Replacement Register. The New Zealand National Joint Register was established by the N.Z. Orthopaedic Association to record technical information about total hip and knee surgery performed in New Zealand.
The Register began as a pilot study in Christchurch in April 1998, and by April 1999 was nationwide. In January 2000, the register was expanded to include all total shoulder, elbow and ankle procedures, as well as unicomparmental knees.
As of September 2004 there are now over 52,000 procedures registered. These include primary and revision hips, knees, unicompartmental knees, ankles, elbows and shoulders.
For more detailed information on the National Joint Register, check out their website at http://www.cdhb.govt.nz/njr
Reconstructive upper limb surgery for tetraplegia
Reconstructive surgery for tetraplegia has been carried out at the Spinal Injuries Unit Burwood Hospital since 1982 and the Unit is now one of the leaders in the world, not only for the surgery itself but also for outcome studies including the development of new surgical procedures and research programmes including:
- development of a device for accurate measurement of joint torque
- changes in tendon length during postsurgical rehabilitation
- patterns of shoulder motion
- wheelchair kinematics.
Strong collaboration research programmes have been developed with the Department of Engineering, at the University of Canterbury.
The Academic Department has a close working relationship with the Clinical Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery based at Christchurch Hospital and Musculoskeletal Medicine based at Burwood Hospital. This relationship involves all aspects of patient management, teaching and research.