REPEAT Biocomposites Launches GeneX R ds. Extending The Reach Of Injectable Bone Grafts
Biocomposites, the pioneers in synthetic bone graft materials have launched geneX ds, a dual syringe mixing and minimally invasive delivery system containing geneX, the unique resorbable bone graft material with a negative surface charge. The powder and liquid components of geneX are provided pre-packed in separate syringes. The syringes connect together and allow a faster, simpler and cleaner way for mixing geneX. The resulting setting paste can then be delivered through a 3.15" dispenser (included). geneX ds is ideal for difficult-to-reach surgical sites or minimally invasive procedures. geneX is a synthetic bone graft material with a unique bi-phasic composition manufactured through a proprietary process ZPC®
Spinal Cement May Provide Real Support For Cancer Patients
New technologies used to repair spinal fractures could soon be helping patients suffering from the bone marrow cancer multiple myeloma. A research project led by engineers at the University of Leeds will focus on the disease an incurable cancer of the bone marrow that causes destructive lesions in bones and makes them more susceptible to fracture. The study will analyse whether techniques such as injecting cements into the spine to stabilise the bone, or using plates to fix fractures can be adapted for affected patients. Although incurable, improvements in treatment mean that patients with multiple myeloma are surviving for longer, with up to a third surviving for at least five years.
Top Tips For Staying Healthy When Clearing Snow
Snow shoveling tends to be an unpleasant task. This mundane seasonal chore combines heavy lifting and cold weather, resulting in possible injuries to the back and shoulder muscles if shovelers do not take the proper precautions. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has recommendations to help you stay safe while clearing snow so you can still have some winter fun. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission: - In 2008, more than 70, 000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings for injuries sustained while shoveling or otherwise removing ice and snow manually. - In that same year, more than 14, 000 were injured using snowblowers.
Delivering Stem Cells Improves Major Bone Repair In Rats
A study published this week reinforces the potential value of stem cells in repairing major injuries involving the loss of bone structure. The study shows that delivering stem cells on a polymer scaffold to treat large areas of missing bone leads to improved bone formation and better mechanical properties compared to treatment with the scaffold alone. This type of therapeutic treatment could be a potential alternative to bone grafting operations. "Massive bone injuries are among the most challenging problems that orthopedic surgeons face, and they are commonly seen as a result of accidents as well as in soldiers returning from war, " said the study's lead author Robert Guldberg, a professor in Georgia Tech's Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.
Senate Health Reform Bill Preserves Essential Diagnostic Services For Osteoporosis
Passage of health care reform legislation in the U.S. Senate will help provide older Americans with easier access to quality osteoporosis diagnosis, prevention and treatment services. Included in the Senate health reform bill is a provision restoring Medicare reimbursement for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the leading diagnostic tool for the early detection and management of osteoporosis. Recent Medicare cuts for DXA tests jeopardized patient access to this important preventive healthcare service. Without congressional action, many doctors would be forced to discontinue providing DXA services in their offices as reimbursement is now substantially lower than the cost of performing the test.
New Study Finds Low Mortality Risk Following Knee And Hip Replacement
Total hip and total knee replacement surgeries are highly successful and very common procedures for people experiencing pain associated with degenerative joints. With a new hip or knee, and postoperative care prescribed by their doctors, most patients are able to regain a more active lifestyle with considerably less pain. According to a new study published in the January 2010 issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), the risk of early postoperative mortality or death following surgery -- was slightly increased for the first 26 days after the elective surgery. The risk of mortality was estimated to be 0.1 percent. The size of the study and the precise statistical tools used show the increase in early postoperative mortality was highest immediately after the operation.
World Congress On Osteoporosis 2010 -- IOF WCO-ECCEO10
IOF WCO-ECCEO10 will be the largest global scientific meeting devoted exclusively to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in 2010. We look forward to welcoming you in Florence next spring! ATTENDEES More than 5000 researchers and clinicians from all continents are expected, this will be the premier global networking event in the field for 2010. Don't miss this opportunity - Register today! PLENARY SESSIONS Key opinion Leaders will present on the most recent topics in the field, see the scientific programme chaired by Professors Cyrus Cooper and Rene Rizzoli. MEET-THE-EXPERT SESSIONS Focused sessions chaired by leading specialists will offer the opportunity to learn about new clinical developments in smaller meeting rooms with restricted, pre-reserved attendance.
Separate Bone Formation From Bone Destruction To Build Bone
Treatments for osteoporosis (a disease characterized by reduced bone density, which leads to an increased risk of fracture ) need to increase the amount and/or quality of bone. As bone formation is tightly coupled to bone destruction, researchers looking to develop new approaches to build bone in individuals with osteoporosis need to identify ways to separate the two processes. Natalie Sims and colleagues, at St. Vincent's Institute, Melbourne, Australia, have now identified one way to do this in mice. In the study, the molecule oncostatin M (OSM) was found to induce distinct functions in mice upon binding to two different cell surface proteins. When OSM bound OSMR it stimulated the production of cells that destroy bone.
Changes Needed To Ensure Quality Of New Orthopedic Surgeons
Changes are needed in the programs that train orthopedic surgeons to ensure these doctors are adequately trained, according to a study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City. The study, which analyzed feedback from heads of orthopedic programs around the country, appears in the January issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. "Before this study, we at Special Surgery thought that we were the only hospital dealing with these complicated challenges, " said Laura Robbins, DSW, vice president of education and academic affairs at HSS. "As a result of this study, we have come to realize that as a nation, the prominent training programs around the country are grappling with these same issues.
Bioactive Glass Nanofibers Produced
A team of researchers from the University of Vigo, Rutgers University in the United States and Imperial College London, in the United Kingdom, has developed "laser spinning", a novel method of producing glass nanofibres with materials. They have been able to manufacture bioglass nanofibres, the bioactive glass used in regenerating bone, for the first time. "Laser spinning makes it possible to produce glass nanofibres of compositions that would be impossible to obtain using other methods", FГ lix Quintero, co-author of the study and a researcher at the University of Vigo, tells SINC. The new technique, which was highlighted on the front cover of the journal Advanced Functional Material, involves using a high-energy laser that melts a small amount of precursor material.