Meniscal Defect Repair
Radiostereometric Analysis
X-ray
Radiostereometric Analysis
CT
Fluorochrome Analysis
Biomechanical Evaluation
Bone Histology
CORe Surgical Facility undertakes comparative surgical studies in large animal models, providing clients with detailed evaluations. The following have successfully been modelled:
- Total Hip Replacement to evaluate new componentry
- Hemiarthroplasty
- Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
- Segmental defects of the femur and tibia using locking intramedullary nails
- Bone plating and screw mechanics in fracture repair
- Meniscal defect repair
CORe can also provide large animal models for evaluation of the biological response of bone to new compounds using either a femoral cancellous and cortical plug model or femoral condyle assessment of bone ingrowth.
Using state-of-the-art equipment, CORe can provide a comprehensive assessment, including:
X-ray
Radiostereometric Analysis
Animal-dedicated RSA equipment allows the assessment of implant migration and wear to a resolution of 50 microns. This has also been used to evaluate AP translation of cruciate ligament reconstructions.
Digital X-ray
Recently purchased, this equipment has dramatically increased the ability to radiographically assess all animals post-operatively.
Arthroscopy
We use a 4.00 mm arthroscope with three chip camera and synovial resector. Image capture allows the generation of computer-based images of procedures.
CT
We are able to perform CT on all aspects derived at necropsy. Manipulation of this data is performed on one of three image analysis programmes: Analyze, Amira or TLA.
Biomechanical Evaluation
CORe Surgical Facility works in close association with Orthopaedic biomechanics at Flinders University. Simple and complicated mechanical evaluations are able to be performed. These range from loading to failure in torsion or compression and the evaluation of implant micromotion using a LASER/LVDT system.
Histology
All specimens are evaluated locally with a Bone Lab. Histology can include basic staining or hard and soft tissues and more complex evaluation of bone deposition using fluorochrome digital analysis. Confocal microscopy has also been utilized with live/dead cell staining to evaluate cartilage wear following hemiarthroplasty.