Extending the Lives of Joints

Researchers at the University of Southampton have completed a project that will enable surgeons to fit joint replacements with longer, optimized lifespans. The MXL project uses computational modeling to define the mechanics of an artificial joint to ensure successful surgery and longer lifespans of the prosthetic joints.

In the July 8, 2013 news release Professor Heller said, “We developed a 3D musculoskeletal model, with data on the variations in bone shape and tissue density, which has enabled advanced biomechanical assessment of the joint reconstruction. The development of this specialised software allows the automated positioning of implants and allows us to modify implant size and position, to address individual patient needs. The intention is, that this technology will lead to increased patient safety and improved lifespan of joint replacement prosthetics.”

Professor Heller told OTW, “The key challenge we faced here was to not only develop an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) framework to enable cost effective prosthesis designs and support surgeon decision making by quantitative data on those aspects of joint biomechanics that critically define the outcome of joint surgery, but to also validate its individual components, and finally demonstrate the predictive capabilities of an integrated system. To meet this challenge we brought together a distinguished consortium of leading partners from across Europe: academic experts with biomechanical engineering, but also medical image processing and visualisation expertise and industrial partners, which provided innovative solutions to challenging problems, also supported by clinical opinion leaders.”

“I am particularly proud that we managed to integrate the various tools and components of the MXL workflow and demonstrate the ability to predict joint mechanics and predict failures in considerable sized clinical cohorts. Here, the Southampton team together with our clinical partners succeeded to deliver that proof for hip stems, but also for knee replacements. This clinical demonstration of the predictive power of these tools will certainly be instrumental for the translation of the technology to implant development and clinical practice alike.”

Asked how long before this work could actually help patients, Dr. Heller stated, “We are already actively translating results of our work together with partners from industry. This includes the reliable measurement of anatomical parameters through a EPSRC funded Knowledge Transfer Secondment with Simpleware (Exeter, UK), to be offered through their world-leading software for the conversion of 3D image data into high-quality CAD and Finite Element models. In a similar way, the bespoke motion analysis techniques that we have demonstrated to be effective in identifying even more subtle deficits in dynamic function after cruciate ligament injury are currently being integrated with a world leading system to track and analyse motion (Vicon Motion Systems, Oxford, UK).”

“Moreover, the unique framework to consider variation in patient anatomy and loading conditions is already being used to better identify suitable indications of existing implants as well as the development of new devices.”