New Centre for Orthopaedic and Trauma Research

Friday, 25 October 2013

World-class research to improve outcomes for people with musculoskeletal conditions will be the focus of the University of Adelaide's new Centre for Orthopaedic and Trauma Research (COTR).

The multidisciplinary research centre, with campuses at Royal Adelaide Hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Women's and Children's Hospital, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre and Lyell McEwin Hospital, will conduct basic and clinical research into osteoporosis, fractures, arthritic joint disease and joint replacement, spine pathology and bone cancer.

One of the Centre's four directors, Professor David Findlay, Orthopaedic Research Professor at the University of Adelaide, says that the Centre provides a much needed platform for South Australian orthopaedic researchers to work more collaboratively.

"Musculoskeletal conditions are the second largest cause of disability in the world and the fourth greatest impact on the health of the world population, in terms of both death and disability," Professor Findlay says.

"Given the high incidence and impact of back and neck pain, fracture, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and bone cancer, advanced orthopaedic research is essential.

"Musculoskeletal conditions are also very complex so the new Centre will allow us to coordinate our research efforts across the state and enhance our orthopaedic and trauma knowledge, and clinical practice. This will ultimately improve the outcomes for individuals suffering from conditions affecting bones and joints."

The key research areas for the COTR include:

• investigating the cell, molecular and genetic basis of bone pathologies;
  
• novel applications of orthopaedic imaging;
  
• development of improved trauma management;
  
• seeking improvements in fracture management in osteoporotic individuals; and
  
• seeking improvements in joint replacement, reconstruction spinal pathology, surgery and rehabilitation.

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