[The orthopedics-traumatology department]

Abstract

The Department is involved in clinical and research activities. We pioneered the clinical application of "smart of Orthopaedic implants". The monitoring concept, bringing a high added value, helps in assessing fracture healing or implant fixation. The technique, featuring the 21st century, also requires advanced knowledge in biomaterials. Such implants have been used during the ESA Parabolic Flight Campaigns. These measurements are a prerequisite to establish prevention programs of the bone demineralisation during space flights but also in disuse osteoporosis. The Department is deeply involved in external fixation. In vitro studies of the mechanical insertion and holding parameters of external fixation pins have been performed to produce new implants, which efficiency has been proved by a clinical study. We defined original clinical principles of external fixation as its use in upper limb indications, to maintain microsurgery transplant, preserving devascularization and providing adequate fixation. Our biomechanical approach of the upper limb, now confirmed by others research groups, questioned old clinical concepts. The isokinetic evaluation assesses the dynamic function of articulations, i.e. after arthroplasty, and is also used for medico-legal evaluation. The clinical research touches orthopaedic (or systemic) diseases as algodystrophy, Kienböck disease, Kashing Beck. We conducted a multidisciplinary research on the effect of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on cells differentiation. In addition to possible healing properties, it helps as an objective support to analyse the exposure to the environmental EMF.