Advances in treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
At the September conference of ‘Frontiers in Medicine’ (sponsored by Scripps Foundation for Medicine and Science), the presentations highlighted innovative materials and procedures designed to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans suffering from musculoskeletal diseases.
A New Era in Joint Replacement Materials
Dr. Clifford W. Colwell. Jr., director of the Scripps Clinic Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education, led the conference with a discussion of new high-tech plastic and ceramic materials designed to increase the durability of hip replacement implants, as well as a new surgical procedure that allows a smaller incision for hip replacement surgery.
He also previewed the uni-compartmental knee, a new knee implant design being used for those with arthritis in only part of the knee. “This implant allows us to repair only the damaged part of the knee, removing less bone through a smaller incision, thus avoiding total knee replacement and offering the potential for faster recovery times,” says Dr. Colwell.
Cartilage Tissue Engineering: A View Toward the Future
Dr. Darryl D. D’Lima, director of Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, discussed the Center’s groundbreaking research in tissue engineering, which is exploring the growth of cartilage in the laboratory in sufficient quantity and quality to allow for human implantation. If successful, this technology will allow replacement of damaged cartilage with freshly grown living cartilage. “This therapeutic approach could last longer than conventional total joint replacement and would likely revolutionize the treatment of arthritis and cartilage degeneration,” says Dr. D’Lima.
As the population ages, physicians expect to see an increase in the prevalence of arthritis and other orthopaedic diseases. “Musculoskeletal impairment affects one in seven Americans and nearly half of people age 65 and older,” says Dr. Colwell. ‘We are very excited to present these new technologies, which have the potential to impact millions of people and reduce the more than $215 billion spent annually on the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.’
