Togay Koç / 24 May 2022 / Categories: Abstracts, 2022, Podium Blasting BMAC: a novel therapy to improve healing in fusion surgery S. Stewart, A. Darwood, C. Higgins, S. Masouros, A. Ramasamy Introduction: Fusion represents an effective treatment option in patients affected by end-stage arthritis. To minimise the risk of non-union following fusion, biological preparations such as bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) are commonly used intra-operatively. Mechanotransduction represents an emerging field of research whereby physical stimuli can be used to modulate the behaviour and differentiation of cells. Blast waves (a subtype of shock waves) are one such physical stimulus. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the osteogenic potential of BMAC can be enhanced using a blast wave, and thus improve its efficacy in fusion surgery. Methods: Human BMAC samples were obtained from three healthy patients and exposed to a single blast wave (peak overpressure= 50psi), before being placed in a suspension of mesenchymal stem cells, to represent the biological environment of the fusion site. Three test groups were used: MSC (the experimental control); MSC + BMAC; MSC + BMAC + blast wave. Calcium mineralisation assays were performed on the MSCs on Day 7 and 14 to assess for osteoblastic transformation. Results: Calcium mineralisation on Day 7 was significantly increased in the MSC + BMAC group compared to the MSC group (mean percentage change 42.12 vs 0.0, p=0.012). The MSC + BMAC + blast wave group also demonstrated significantly increased levels compared to the MSC + BMAC group (84.56 vs. 42.14, p=0.039). The difference in calcium mineralisation between the MSC and MSC + BMAC + blast wave groups was strongly significant (0.00 vs. 84.56, p=0.003). Conclusion: Exposure of BMAC to a single blast wave enhances its osteogenic potential. This represents a potential novel way to improve healing following fusion surgery and reduce the rates of non-union. Print 648 Tags: ArthrodesisBiologics
3Jul2025 Basic Skills Foot and Ankle Arthroscopy Course - open for applications 03/07/2025 Read more This courses is designed to develop and extend the knowledge and skills of training foot and ankle surgeons. Techniques of arthroscopic surgery of the joints, ligaments and tendons of the ankle and foot will be presented and demonstrated. Basic Skills covers the more common procedures which a foot and ankle surgeon would be likely to need. Delegates will be given ample time to develop their skills in each of the areas listed below using cadaver limbs. Questions and case presentations will be encouraged with an expert and interactive faculty. Anterior ankle Posterior ankle Haglund’s surgery Sub-talar joint Tendoscopy Arthroscopic Ankle fusion 1st MTP joint Documents to download Basic-Course-2025-Programme-draft(.pdf, 3.19 MB) - 312 download(s) Read more
4Jul2025 Advanced Skills Foot and Ankle Arthroscopy Course - applications open 04/07/2025 Read more This courses is designed to develop and extend the knowledge and skills of established foot and ankle surgeons. Techniques of arthroscopic surgery of the joints, ligaments and tendons of the ankle and foot will be presented and demonstrated. Advanced Skills covers some more advanced and emerging techniques. Delegates will be given ample time to develop their skills in each of the areas listed below using cadaver limbs. Questions and case presentations will be encouraged with an expert and interactive faculty. 1st MTP joint Arthroscopic lateral and medial ligament repair FHL transfer Peroneal groove and Tibialis posterior Tarsal coalition excision Sub-talar fusion Chopart joint fusion Documents to download Advanced-Course-2025-Programme-draft(.pdf, 3.29 MB) - 306 download(s) Read more
20Oct2025 BOFAS Principles Course Taunton 20/10/2025 - 21/10/2025 Read more These courses are aimed at Higher Surgical Trainees / ST3 onwards and are designed to teach the core of Foot and Ankle surgery in an informal and interactive environment. The emphasis is on clinical examination cases, discussion groups and typical day-to-day clinic scenarios. Although not an exam preparation course, content is taught to the standard expected in the FRCS(Tr & Orth) exam; that of a day-one non-specialist orthopaedic consultant. Applications will open on 1st September 2023. Venue - Taunton (TBC) Documents to download BOFAS-Course-Programme--Taunton-2025(.docx, 31.88 KB) - 510 download(s) Read more
15May2025 Oswestry Cartilage Meeting 15/05/2025 - 16/05/2025 Read more Oswestry Cartilage Meeting 15-16th May, 2025 Keele Hall, Keele University Registration fee £250 (PhD Students £125) - closing: 31st March Further information & Registration Documents to download 2025_Keele_Cartilage_Symposium_Flyer_2025__1_(.pdf, 434.4 KB) - 114 download(s) Read more
5Jun2025 2nd Annual London Orthopaedic Meeting 05/06/2025 - 06/06/2025 Read more 2nd Annual London Orthopaedic Meeting 5th-6th June 2025 The Chicago Booth London Conference Centre, London, UK Read more
7Jun2025 World Orthopaedic Concern UK 07/06/2025 Read more World Orthopaedic Concern UK WOC is a charitable organisation and is a specialist society of the British Orthopaedic Association promoting orthopaedic education and care in developing countries. If you are interested in global orthopaedic initiatives, then click for more information. Documents to download 2025_WOC_conference_poster_FINAL(.pdf, 1.14 MB) - 112 download(s) Read more
7Jun2025 World Orthopaedic Concern UK 07/06/2025 Read more World Orthopaedic Concern UK WOC is a charitable organisation and is a specialist society of the British Orthopaedic Association promoting orthopaedic education and care in developing countries. If you are interested in global orthopaedic initiatives, then click for more information. Read more