To develop evaluation procedures to determine the mechanisms and effects of particulate debris from Carbon Fibre Reinforced PEEK fracture fixation devices, which will enable increased adoption of this material for use in orthopaedic trauma procedures.

To process innovation in the field of implantable polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK) micromoulding and to transfer the knowledge generated throughout the technical staff.

The primary objective of this collaborative research project is to develop low cost, PEEK composite intramedullary (IM) nails for pre-clinical evaluation in an ovine tibial fracture model to determine whether an implant modulus of elasticity closer to bone would encourage faster healing through reduced stress shielding and increased micromotion. Although there are significant patient and surgeon advantages to using composite materials in terms of improved visualization and interpretation of the healing site, and better outcomes, the commercial motivation to switch to composites remains a critical practical issue to the project. This is due to higher manufacturing costs, and the risks associated with the introduction of a new technology into the market place at a cost premium. The project will address these commercial challenges by developing products with improved product performance at a competitive price that meets the market requirements for a composite nailing system through partnership with Invibio and General Composites Inc.

Acetabular and femoral bone resorption is one of the few remaining clinical challenges to be addressed when considering the long term success of orthopaedic joint replacements, particularly in hip prostheses. Bone resorption around the proximal femoral stem and acetabular cup due to stress shielding contributes to bone loss and reduced bone mineral density, ultimately leading to clinical complications such as periprosthetic fracture, aseptic loosening, joint pain and the loss of bone. The aim of project SHIELD is to develop novel acetabular and femoral components that minimise bone resorption. This will be achieved through a combination of component design and material optimisation by which the load transfer from prosthesis to bone will attempt to mimic bone stress levels pre-operation. Bone resorption during the ageing process will be predicted through finite element models of the physiological scenario derived from in-vivo CT/MRI images. These models will allow state-of-the-art optimisation algorithms to be employed for the implant design and subsequent analyses. Structural integrity will be tested through a series of laboratory tests including cadaveric studies, that will validate predictions from finite element models and evaluate clinical viability. Tribological performance and biocompatibility studies will be evaluated through state-of-the-art methodologies.

Awaiting Public Summary