Log in
Bone cement is widely used in joint replacement surgery, both for implant fixation and to enhance screw fixation in osteoporotic bone. Specific impacts include the development of two new orthopaedic cement systems by Summit Medical (Gloucester), also enabling that firm to obtain product approval and achieve significant new penetration of UK and international markets (UK bowl 70%; UK syringe 35%; US overall 15% — translating to total global sales 2009-2012 of £36M: 2012 = £9M).
Research outcomes have also impacted as a key element in the bid by Stryker Orthopaedics to obtain EU clinical approval and undertake US submission (ongoing) of injectable cements for augmenting bone screw fixation. Approval enabled the firm to establish Hydroset as a mainstream product with a cumulative total income of $180M since 2008 (income 2012 = $32M). The reach of these impacts also extends to improved clinical outcomes, resulting in improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs.
Our research has developed improved hip replacement fixation techniques, which have improved the biomechanical stability of implanted artificial joints. These techniques have been employed by orthopaedic surgeons, for example at Mid-Essex Hospitals Services Trust (MEHT), in primary and revision total hip replacement operations. As a result, the number of patients requiring revision hip surgery due to cup loosening has fallen by 50%. Additionally, these techniques have reduced the recovery time per operation by 3-5 days, which in addition to benefitting the patient have also resulted in an average saving per operation of £1,200.
The Advanced Concrete and Masonry Centre (ACMC) at UWS was among the pioneers in development of practical self-compacting concrete (SCC) in Europe. As a lead partner, the group contributed to two large EU projects on SCC, which underpinned the European standards on SCC test methods.
The group's research has contributed to the steadily increasing use of SCC in general construction, which has brought many benefits, such as enhanced durability, improved productivity, reduced overall cost, improved working environment and sustainability. Given the massive quantities of concrete being used (>14 billion tonnes/year globally), the increased use of SCC has had important economic, societal and environmental impacts.
Long-term fixation integrity is a critical issue in joint replacement surgery that affects both quality of life of patients and the economy. 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.
Research at Loughborough University during the REF period (and extending back at least three decades beyond that) has had a significant impact on national and international policy decisions governing the management of radioactive waste, one of the Grand Challenges facing society. The Unit's research ranges from deep geological disposal to abatement of marine discharges and remediation strategies for industrial radioactive waste, the latter safeguarding the competitiveness of the oil & gas and mineral processing sectors. This input has been crucial for revising the new Environmental Permitting Regulations and International Basic Safety Standards. Many of the Unit's doctoral graduates occupy important decision-making roles at key organisations such as the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield, Environment Agency, CEA (France) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).