Implants for the Future
The world health organization (WHO) has stated that by 2050 the largest population of the world will comprise people above the age of 50. This tells us the gravity and vastness of the age related issues that will be encountered in the near future. The commonest of these age related problems are joint and bone disorders which call for surgeries like knee replacement and hip replacement to promise a better quality life to the elderly. However, the difficult part is recovery from these major surgeries with quick bone healing.
A group of scientists from the University of Malaya and four other universities in the US have found a technique of developing better biomedical implants to accelerate bone healing. An implant is a medical device made of a biomedical material that is fitted into the body to act as a missing biological structure. A study published on the front cover of the July issue of Applied Surface Science, reveals that the researchers have been successful in making new biomedical implants. These use magnesium coatings that do not crack, reducing the chance of post surgery complications.
Read more
New Method Increases Bone Density
Researchers from the University of Liverpool have found a new system which helps increase muscle contractions and eventually increases bone density.
This new method is extremely helpful in initial rat models and experiments. The results showed a 30% hike in bone growth, improving bone density. This new device is called a ‘miniature muscle pacemaker’ and is designed to produce contractions in the muscles. These miniature muscle pacemakers were designed by Professor Jonathan Jarvis of Liverpool John Moores University. In the rats, they were placed on the legs for a period of 28 days.
Read more
Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Lessen Severity of Osteoarthritis
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that unhealthy dietary habits along with obesity can accelerate the degenerative process of osteoarthritis. The findings of the study were recently published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases and stated that ingestion of unhealthy dietary fats leads to the worsening of the osteo-arthritic joint condition.
Obesity is the primary cause of joint degeneration but the process is hastened by unhealthy eating habits. It was found that consumption of omega 3 fatty acids can protect joints in case of osteoarthritis. It does not revert osteoarthritic changes but helps in slowing the degenerative process. Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are good for the heart. Their routine consumption is considered helpful for patients. The Duke trial showed that omega 3 fatty acids (when given to mice) reduced the severity of the osteoarthitic joint pain. It was also shown that these mice had wounds that healed quickly as opposed to mice who did not receive the supplement. The Omega-3 supplement is easily found in fish and fish oil supplements.
Read more
Weather May Not Affect Low Back Pain
We often here people complaining about back and joint pain as soon as the weather turns a little rainy, cold or even windy. Arthritis Care and Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology, has published a new study stating that the risk of having low back pain is proportional to the speed of the blowing wind rather than the change in temperature. The team of researchers also showed that the clinical significance was negligible. Many people say that weather conditions modify the state of their pain and make it more intense. Fortunately, a recent study in Australia also reveals that sudden low grade back pain is not initiated or related to weather conditions like humidity, air pressure, temperature etc.
Read more
Rockbot Service at Onto Orthopedics
Onto Orthopedics is now working with Rockbot to bring you high quality music during your visit. Before seeing us, please install the Rockbot app on your phone. Then, simply log in during your appointment, navigate to "Onto Orthopedics", and begin picking the music we play!
Click here to download the Rockbot app.
Brewing Waste May Assist Bone Regeneration
In the past, bones were regenerated using sheep bones or synthetic materials which were costly and bio-hazardous. Recent studies have developed an eco-friendly material which is biodegradable and obtained from the waste products of the food industry. In particular, residue left over after brewing beer caught researchers’ eyes.
This study was conducted at Centre for Biomedical Technology of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and the Institute of Materials Science and the Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemistry of Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC). The results showed that the residue left after beer production was rich in contents like calcium, phosphorus, silica, etc. These were coincidently nutrients that help bones become stronger. The residue was incorporated to be used as a material in bone replacements as well as a coating in bone grafts. Not only does this material decrease the burden of the accumulated eco waste, it also provides nutrient-rich media for the treatment of bone diseases.
Read more
Nano Particles Battle Bone Cancer
Nanomedicine technologies have advanced through the research done by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The institute recently discovered a new drug delivery system that can attack cancer cells which are present bones. This system should increase bone strength as well as bone volume in order to control the growth of cancerous cells.
“Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” published last week discussed this nano technology. Bone is a very favorable place for cancer cells to grow and multiply in large numbers especially from certain parts of the body such as the breasts, prostate and blood. This nano particle system selectively targets the bones and releases the drug in a very subtle way, thus enhancing the growth and strength of the bone.
Read more
6000 Steps a Day Help Keep Knee Limitations Away
The National institute of Health and American College of Rheumatology have published a study that indicates walking will drastically reduce the risks of developing Osteoarthritis (OA) in people who have higher risks of getting it. Functional limitations like difficulty getting up from a chair and climbing stairs can be reduced significantly.
Many Americans aged just 25 years are now diagnosed as suffering from Osteoarthrits knees whereas earlier reports mentioned that OA knees is mostly common among middle-aged and older adults. Medical evidence reports that persons diagnosed with OA walk less than 90 minutes weekly on average. Walking is a common physical activity which can be performed daily by all adults. 80% of OA patients experience a limitation in their movements while 11% of adults have a disability to the extent that they need assistance with personal care.
Read more
Frog Promises Solution to Muscle Atrophy
A new bunch of genes have been researched by the scientists of the University of Queensland. These are known to help the striped burrowing frog prevent muscle wasting during periods of dormancy. Researchers have deduced that these same genes can be extremely beneficial when used in patients who are bedridden and who experience wasting of muscles. They might even help astronauts, the researchers said.
Most times, mammals including humans, experience muscle atrophy, which means that the muscles that are not in use for a long time start degenerating. This is not the case with green striped burrowing frogs which are scientifically known as Cyclorana alboguttata. These frogs hibernate when resources outside are very scarce and thus, can survive by wrapping themselves in a cocoon of shed skin. These frogs suffer very minimal muscle wastage even after long periods of practically zero muscular activity.
Read more
Romosozumab increases BMD!
We all lose some bone mass as we age, as the existing bone is broken down faster compared to the formation of new bone. The bones lose calcium and become lighter and more porous; more fracture-prone. Bones lose density as well (Osteopenia). With further breakdown, the bones lose more calcium and become even more porous; this advanced stage is called Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is commonly seen in large numbers nowadays. Post menopausal women and men of age 70 years and above are at an increased risk for this condition. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is the test which measures the amount of minerals such as calcium in your bones. It is done using X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This information is then used to estimate the strength of your bones.
Read more