Current Research

1. Reflexions Current Research Multi-ligament knee injuries are rare but serious injuries. Patients present with varying injury patterns and often have significant associated injuries. We are currently undertaking a study on the mid to long-term outcomes in a large series of patients following multi-ligament knee reconstruction. We have reviewed the medical records of 153 patients treated for multi-ligament knee injuries during the last 23 years. Currently we have captured patient demographics, injury treatment details and subject outcomes. This study represents one of the largest series of consecutive multi-ligament knee injuries reported to date. We have found a wide variation of injury patterns and highly variable outcomes. In addition, patient outcomes have been lower than the healthy population. This suggests that patients are still experiencing limitations in subjective function and the current classification of knee ligament injuries may fail to accurately predict patient recovery. Further study to elicit the predictors of functional outcomes scores is warranted. The next phase of this study involves the patients returning to the clinic for a new physical exam, undergo a state of the art MRI scan, and undertake a three dimensional gait analysis. Stay tuned later this year for more results. BS Click here for our social media STS Community The Institute proudly sponsored the 6-Degrees of Freedom award for the best honours thesis in the School of Biomedical Engineering (University of Sydney) for the 3rd year running. This year, Joe Lynch presented the award to Tegan Cheng for her thesis entitled: Advanced Methods in Bone Tissue Engineering Using Novel Carriers and Adjunctive Pharmaceuticals. The award was presented at the annual Sydney University Association of Biomedical Engineers (SUABE) dinner held at The Grand Stand at the University of Sydney on March 30th. Our 5th Annual Fundraising dinner on June 30th is fast approaching. The gala is being held once again at the grand ballroom at Luna Park, with more than 300 guests expected to attend including business and local government leaders. If you are interested in attending or donating an auction item, please contact Anna Macalister on amacalister@sori.com.au Tegan Cheng accepting her prize Conference and Literature Update It has been a busy time over the last 4 months here at SORI with our surgeons and researchers presenting at numerous conferences and meetings worldwide. Drs Parker, Coolican, Fritsch, and Lustig recently attended the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOA) Scientific Meeting in February in San Diego where we had 2 poster presentations on comparing the complication rate of simultaneous bilateral versus unilateral total knee replacements and using intraoperative data to predict outcomes following a total knee replacement. Our researchers have also been involved in local research meetings at the Mater and North Shore hospitals. These meetings have allowed our students and fellows to gain valuable experience presenting to leading orthopaedic consultants. Next on our calendar are the Mater Orthopaedic Meeting (May 11th) and International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology meeting in (July 19 - 21). Recently, the Institute had four papers accepted into the Journal of Arthroplasty and Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy. These articles examined pain and drug consumption for patients with and without a femoral nerve block who have undergone a total knee replacement, as well as measurement of the slope of the tibia using MRIand a review of patellofemoral replacement in order to maximize results of future procedures. Congratulations to the authors and stay tuned for many more submissions later this year. • Upcoming Events • May 11: Mater Hospital Orthopaedic Research Meeting • June 30: Annual Fundraising Dinner, Luna Park • July 19-21 : International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology, Brisbane