REF2014 Impact Case Study: Improved Surgical Practice through Engineering Research

Description of impact

The unique comprehensive study of long-term acetabular cement fixation carried out at the University of Portsmouth has significantly informed orthopaedic surgeons and impacted on their surgical practice. In addition, research on a commercial hydrogel implant TRUFIT has informed clinical and commercial decisions on the use of the implant for load bearing applications, which has led to the withdrawal of the implant from the global market.

Who is affected

Medical Health Advisory Committee; Orthopaedic Surgeons; Patients.

Narrative

Long-term fixation integrity is a critical issue in joint replacement surgery that affects both quality of life of patients and the economy. As the first comprehensive study of long-term fixation integrity of acetabular implants in the UK, our research has provided timely and critical information for the orthopaedic research community. The research has prompted interdisciplinary explorations and contributed significantly to the decisions made by surgeons in selecting particular implants to use with a varied cohort of patients in surgical practice.

Impact status	Open
Category of impact	Health & Welfare Impacts
Impact level	Benefit (delivered impact)