Arthritis and osteoporosis are affecting the quality of life of
over five million Australians right now.
About 50 000 Australians undergo joint replacement
operations each year, with 10 000 of these being spinal
operations due to arthritis related diseases.
If nothing is done to find a solution to the epidemic
of these orthopaedic diseases, one in five Australians will
be living with the pain of arthritis by the year 2020, and
3 million Australians will be living with osteoporosis and the
fractures that result from this degenerative disease.
IHBI researchers are now working on technology to
help the millions of Australians who suffer with the pain of
arthritis and the effects of osteoporosis.
Work is progressing on a tissue regeneration
technology that has the potential to relieve pain, prevent
disability and delay or eliminate the need for joint
replacement surgery.
The aim is to culture artificial bone tissue that could be
implanted into a patient’s body to assist in joint regeneration.
Early intervention with tissue regeneration and bone
substitution could substantially reduce or actually reverse
the degenerative effects of arthritis and also build up
bone density for osteoporosis sufferers, making them less
susceptible to injury.
For many people suffering from arthritis and
osteoporosis this will effectively slow the ageing process,
and improve their quality of life and mobility.
This research is part of the Medical Device Domain
medical implants, prostheses, osteoarthritis, orthopaedics, trauma...
Sometimes our bodies need the help of artificial medical devices and technologies to
function well and to help us heal from disease or trauma.
Our researchers are developing a range of innovative medical devices. Our work includes
research into artificial heart pumps, prostheses, smart bio-bandages and computer-assisted
surgery technology.
These devices will respond to the needs of people suffering from
debilitating disease or trauma, making their lives liveable once again.
At IHBI, our inventiveness is improving the quality of life for people facing the challenges
of illness and trauma. |
