The Future: Orthopaedic Coverage from Head to Toe
When Cayenne Medical (Scottsdale, AZ) was founded in 2005, its vision was to create the complete package for the knee and all soft tissue-type reconstruction. After having success with products designed for this area, the company’s goal has transformed into becoming a one-stop shop for an orthopaedic surgeon.  “Cayenne’s goal is to grow into a comprehensive sports...
Forming Technology With a Twist
  Koslosky Finding the ideal material for an orthopaedic implant isn’t always a straightforward process. As manufacturers look for more effective and less invasive technologies, Secant Medical LLC (Perkasie, PA) has stepped up to the plate in working with customers to not just develop a customized technology but also to understand their specific needs. The company places...
Scientists Grow Bone from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Dr. Darja Marolt A study recently published in the online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shown that human embryonic stem cells can be used to grow bone tissue grafts for potential research and therapeutic applications. Dr. Darja Marolt of The New York Stem Cell Foundation implanted bone progenirots derived from human embryonic stems cells into mice. Over...
Pierced Ears Point the Way to Knee Regeneration
In mice with ears that heal rapidly, cartilage (shown in the thick blue border) also regenerates and heals more quickly. Washington University researchers found that the same genes that promote healing after cartilage damage also appear to protect against osteoarthritis. (image via Sandell Laboratory) How long does it take your pierced ears to heal? The answer could be an indication...
Students Keep Foundation for Innovation Alive
  With graduation right around the corner, now is the perfect time to recognize the hard work and passion of students who are conducting research, and developing prototypes and new materials, at universities across the globe. Their work will be part of the foundation for new devices and therapeutics that will improve the quality of, and potentially save, many, many lives.   In just a...
Tufts University Engineers Prove Fully Biodegradable Scaffold Works
Engineers at Tufts University have proven that their biodegradable scaffold for grafting works. The silk micron-sized fibers reinforces a silk matrix and can be used to repair bone and tissue, perhaps more effectively than current autologous grafts. The engineers created the 10- to 20-µm fibers in just one minute (typical processing creates microfibers that are more than 100 µm in...
Rice University Stretches the Limits of Limb Lengthening
The LinDi linear distractor automates the process of lengthening children's bones by continually separating the surgically broken bone as it heals. The device invented by Rice University seniors is intended to make the process safer and easier for children who suffer from bone deformities. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University). Nearly 10 million children suffer from deformities that...
Using Allograft Tissue to Improve R&D and Preclinical Trial Outcomes for Implants
Many implants are used in conjunction with allograft tissue in the clinical setting. Additionally, there are many combination products or purely tissue-derived products evolving in the orthobiologics market space. This category includes everything from plates and screws to the latest hip and knee replacements, sports medicine, spine, regenerative medicine, and dental applications. It is well-...
Case Study: Applying Human Factors for User Interface Development
In response to indications of surgeon hand fatigue from marketing voice of the customer (VOC) data, BlackHägen Design was engaged to conduct a study of the ergonomic requirements and usage scenarios for an orthopedic procedure. The firm used ethnography and projective mapping methods to collect a significant amount of quantitative and qualitative data on the procedure.   First, a...
AAOS 2012: Provocative Meets Practical
BY Tricia Rodewald Between the buzzing of drills, the humming of various imaging machines and the cacophony of product demonstrations in AAOS’ 2012 technical exhibits hall, it’s apparent that orthopaedic innovations are alive and well. Thousands of medical technology professionals have come together to not only promote their products and services, but to also gather insights from the...