Grant: Collaborative Health Research Projects

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease affecting one in ten Canadian adults. Late stage OA leads to constant pain and loss ofmobility. The most effective treatment today is total hip arthroplasty that replaces the damaged joints with prostheses madefrom synthetic materials such as metals. Unfortunately, it has been discovered lately that a significant number of patientshave developed Adverse Local Tissue Reactions (ALTR) to some of the latest implants, resulting in extensive soft tissuedamage that requires revision surgeries. This latest development has caused serious concerns to the biomedical communityand the patients undergoing hip replacement. In this collaborative research project, experienced surgeons will work closelywith a group of pathologists, microbiologists, cell biologist and materials engineers, as well as industry partners, to uncoverthe fundamental mechanisms and primary causes of the Adverse Local Tissue Reactions through a series of clinical andlaboratory studies. New material technologies will be developed to minimize the adverse tissue reactions. Progress in thisproject will be directly translated into improved patient care through better treatment techniques and implant technologies.