Carolyne Albert

2004 Research Trainee Award, Senior Graduate Studentship

The effect of surgical technique on morphology and biomechanical behavior of allograft bone-cement in hip reconstruction with impaction allografting

Of the approximately 18,000 hip replacements performed annually in Canada, 10 to 20 percent fail after 10 years. Failure and removal of an implant cause extensive bone loss to the femur (thigh bone). This bone deficiency makes it difficult to fix a new implant in place. Impaction allografting involves impacting and cementing morsels of bone in the femur to set a new implant in place. The appeal of this technique is its documented potential to restore bone. The procedure, however, has had mixed clinical results. Carolyne Albert is exploring ways to improve the surgical tools and techniques for impaction allografting. She is comparing the current technique with alternative surgical techniques. The research could lead to a technique that will provide implant stability while improving the potential for bone restoration. Completed award term, October 2005

Back to 2004 Research Trainee Awards