Challenges faced in Orthopedic Research Program and Recent Developments in the Field of Orthopedic Research Program

The initiation of research programs need complex decision-making & logistical, directional, financial, and other considerations must be assessed. The greatest barriers in the growth of new basic research facilities include availability of technical skills, space, and finances. In this section we will see the basic infrastructure and equipment requirements for the development of orthopedic molecular biology and bio-mechanical research laboratories, as well as some of the economic considerations required to develop these facilities.

Infrastructure and equipment required for Orthopedic Surgery Research laboratory:

The infrastructure needed to run an Orthopedic Surgery Research laboratory is similar to any other biological laboratory. Fume hoods are necessary to vent noxious and unsafe chemicals. An animal housing facility is needed if work is performed on any number of model organisms. If work is to be done on established or primary cell lines, then a separate cell culture room should be taken into consideration. By separating cell culture facilities, reducing foot traffic in and around the incubators and hoods will help in keeping it free of bacteria and mold. A new part of the laboratory should be set aside for sectioning, processing and staining of histological specimens. This area should be located compulsorily in a “dust-free” area.

Recent advances in the field of Orthopedic Research Program

1.   Autologous chondrocyte transplantation is being used in some clinic centers to provide a better quality of life for and also prevent arthritis in younger patients who have injured their articular cartilage

2.   Internal fixation of long bone fractures in children decreases the time spent in hospital

3. Botulinum toxin is beneficial in treating muscle elasticity in children with cerebral palsy

The field of orthopedic research will continue to grow in order to address the increasing global burden of musculoskeletal injury and disease. New basic scientific discoveries in biological and mechanical research will continue to advance rapidly, and present opportunities to bring these new discoveries to the clinic. The complex nature of the musculoskeletal system requires multi-disciplinary collaborations between investigators that possess a wide diversity of expertise. Although the development of research laboratories and opportunities require extensive planning and resource development, ultimately basic discoveries have the potential to develop into translational projects that can impact patient care. Several such discoveries have already developed into large-scale multi-national clinical trials, which are the end-goal for basic science research.