Laboratory testing of artificial shoulder joints

Title: Laboratory testing of artificial shoulder joints

Description: The number of artificial shoulder joints being implanted around the world is growing rapidly.  Many novel designs with innovative materials have recently been made available to shoulder surgeons.  But which are the best?  At Newcastle University we have designed and developed the first multi-station shoulder wear simulator in the world.  We have also worked closely with JRI Orthopaedics of Sheffield to design a new type of artificial shoulder joint, the VAIOS.  This was first implanted in 2010 and to date has sales of over $2 million.  As well as testing the VAIOS shoulder using our unique shoulder simulator, we have tested other designs to determine which show the lowest wear, and therefore may have the greatest longevity in patients.

Academic staff: Professor Tom Joyce, Dr Simon Smith

Researchers: Israel Ramirez Martinez

Contact: Thomas.joyce@ncl.ac.uk

Sponsors: Israel Ramirez Martinez’s PhD is sponsored by the Mexican Government

Partners: JRI Orthopaedics, Sheffield, UK.

Start Date: Since 2009

End Date: Ongoing