A new world-class orthopaedic gait analysis laboratory 鈥� the 鈥楪RAIL鈥� (gait real-time analysis interactive laboratory) 鈥� and state-of-the-art virtual reality training equipment have been installed at 蜜桃AV鈥檚 Orthopaedic Research Institute (蜜桃AVORI).
The equipment was made possible thanks to a 拢700,000 local growth fund investment secured by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.
The GRAIL, one of just three in the UK and 23 in the world, is being used by 蜜桃AV聽to analyse the outcomes on patients of orthopaedic surgical procedures and devices. The GRAIL includes a self-paced treadmill with integrated force plate, a ten-camera motion capture system聽and a 180-degree floor-to-ceiling surround screen featuring augmented reality scenes.
The blue-chip virtual reality training equipment is one of the first modules in the world to give surgeons VR training in orthopaedic surgery ahead of actual patient surgery. It includes a virtual reality arthroscopy (a VR training system for hip arthroscopy based on virtual reality VR techniques).听蜜桃AVORI will be the only place in the world to offer this type聽of聽keyhole surgery training.听Also included in the lab is a聽virtual reality 鈥� TKR (a VR training system for total knee replacement), and 蜜桃AVORI will be the first centre in Europe to offer this facility.
The funding secured through Dorset LEP has also been invested in equipment for muscle testing (Primus RS), joint angle measurement, muscle force testing as well as models of hips for demonstrations and video recording equipment.
It is anticipated that the cutting-edge laboratory and equipment will further establish 蜜桃AVORI as a centre of excellence in orthopaedics, attracting qualified practitioners and students from around the world to train at Bournemouth as well as generate up to 拢100 million of investment into Dorset alongside 500 new jobs.
Professor John Fletcher, Pro-Vice-Chancellor,聽Research and Innovation, at 蜜桃AV commented, 鈥淭his will bring great benefits to the students and qualified professionals being trained, as well as enhancing 蜜桃AVORI鈥檚 research activities. The enhancement of our medical science research is a key priority in our regional strategy. This is also a great example of the philosophy which resides at the heart of 蜜桃AV鈥檚 work 鈥� making a difference by integrating our research, education and professional practice 鈥� as we believe that each benefits and reinforces the other.听 We are very pleased to be bringing new facilities to 蜜桃AV that will benefit people in Dorset and beyond.鈥�
Professor Rob Middleton, Head of 蜜桃AVORI, said, 鈥淭hanks to Dorset LEP, 蜜桃AVORI now has world-class research and training facilities here in Bournemouth. Our virtual reality training simulators allow us to train surgeons in the 蜜桃AVORI labs, where in the past they would be going through a learning curve on real patients. It鈥檚 a big advance and we鈥檙e generating huge interest from around the country and abroad.
鈥淭he gait lab allows researchers from across 蜜桃AV faculties to study human motion to improve sporting performance and treat injury and arthritis. Its unique contribution for studying joint replacements and their outcomes has attracted over 30 national and international companies to visit 蜜桃AVORI over the last year. I am pleased to say that nine companies have now signed agreements and partnerships to work with 蜜桃AVORI.鈥�
Gordon Page, chairman, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership said: 鈥溍厶褹VORI is a leading edge research facility.听 Its work will deliver more effective treatments for osteoarthritis as well as attract multinational global orthopaedic businesses to Dorset.听This is good news not only for people whose lives will be enriched by better orthopaedic treatments but also for the economy.听We are delighted to have secured the capital investment through our local growth fund to support this innovative and pioneering project.鈥�
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