DR. CLIFFORD W. COLWELL, M.D.

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This study looked at whether a procedure called manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is more effective than standard treatment for improving knee movement in patients who struggled with limited motion after knee replacement surgery. The researchers found that while the overall knee bending was similar between both treatment groups one year later, a significantly higher percentage of patients who had MUA (56%) experienced an improvement of more than 20 degrees in knee movement compared to those who received routine care (8%). This finding is important because it suggests that MUA could be a better option for patients dealing with stiffness after knee surgery, potentially leading to better recovery outcomes. Who this helps: Patients recovering from total knee arthroplasty who develop stiffness.

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This study looked at how knee looseness (laxity) and the way the knee moves after surgery affect recovery in patients who had knee replacement surgery. They found that after surgery, patients had more valgus looseness (which means the knee moves outward) and that this was linked to higher patient satisfaction and fewer symptoms. Patients whose knee movements aligned better also reported greater satisfaction with their overall activity levels, highlighting the need for careful planning and technique in surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing knee replacement surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how different positions of the tibia (the shin bone) affect the stress on the kneecap during total knee replacement surgery. The researchers found that using a posterior-stabilized knee design with a neutral tibial alignment resulted in less stress and pressure on the patellofemoral (kneecap) joint compared to a cruciate-retaining design, especially when the knee was bent deeply. This is important because high stress on the kneecap can lead to pain and complications after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing total knee replacement, helping to reduce their risk of knee pain and complications.

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This study looked at how self-reported metal allergies affect recovery after total knee replacement surgery. Researchers found that people with metal allergies had similar early recovery and function compared to those without allergies. For instance, patients with metal allergies reported slightly more pain on average (89.1 points) than those without allergies (85.2 points), but both groups had comparable knee movement and function after surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing knee replacement surgery and their doctors by providing clarity on the impact of metal allergies.

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This study looked at how well a new electronic device can help balance the knee during total knee replacement surgery compared to older mechanical devices. Researchers tested it on 12 donated knees and found that the electronic device was more precise in measuring balance, showing that knee stability is improved when surgeons use this new technology—this could lead to better results for patients after surgery. Specifically, it showed that after certain adjustments, the knee became more stable, which is important for recovery and function. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how tools used during knee surgery can help measure and ensure the stability of the knee joint. Researchers found that using electronic devices to assess the balance of soft tissues around the knee can lead to better outcomes, as they provide precise measurements of knee laxity. Specifically, these devices help surgeons understand how well the knee joint will function after surgery, potentially improving stability and reducing the risk of problems later on. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing knee surgery, as it aims to improve their recovery and joint stability.

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This study followed up with patients who had received the Press-fit Condylar total knee implant for about 20 years to see how well the implants were still working. They found that 87% of the implants were still functioning properly after this time, with only a small percentage needing surgical revision due to issues like wear. This is important because it shows that these knee implants can last long-term, which can guide future patients in their treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients considering knee replacement surgery by providing information on the expected longevity of their implants.

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This study looked at how knee forces change when people squat after getting a total knee replacement. Researchers created personalized computer models for two patients and found that peak knee forces were between 2.2 and 2.3 times their body weight, depending on how deeply they squatted. This information is important because it helps understand how surgery and implant placement affect knee performance, which can lead to better surgical techniques and improved knee function for patients. Who this helps: Patients recovering from knee surgery and doctors providing care for them.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a new type of hip implant that uses ceramic materials with a raised metal rim to reduce wear and related complications in patients. Out of 169 patients, 4 required additional surgery due to issues with the implant: one had a ceramic liner fracture and three had problems caused by metal particles from the implant, leading to pain and noise. This matters because it shows that about 3% of patients experienced serious issues, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and possible revision surgery to prevent further complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with hip implants and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well patient-specific knee implants perform compared to standard knee implants. Researchers tested 18 cadaver legs, with one knee receiving a custom implant and the other a standard design. They found that knees with custom implants moved more like natural knees, showing better results in key movements—specifically, they had lower differences in three main areas of knee movement compared to the standard implants. This is important because restoring normal knee movement can lead to better function and greater satisfaction for patients after knee surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

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This research studied how different components of cartilage called extracellular matrix (ECM) affect specific cells that help form cartilage, known as chondrocytes. The scientists found that exposure to certain ECM molecules like decorin and hyaluronan led to higher levels of key proteins necessary for cartilage health, with neocartilage showing greater development when treated with the right ECMs. For example, neocartilage that formed in a lab environment after treatment showed increased levels of important proteins, indicating better cartilage regeneration. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with cartilage damage and conditions like osteoarthritis by improving potential treatment options.

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This study looked at repairing damaged cartilage in arthritis by using special cells derived from human embryonic stem cells. The researchers successfully created cells that produced proteins specific to cartilage and were able to integrate into damaged areas of cartilage taken from arthritic joints. Their method is promising because it uses stem cells that can be easily made in large quantities, making it a potential treatment option for people with arthritis. Who this helps: This helps patients with arthritis who suffer from cartilage damage.

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This study looked at a mobile compression device designed to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing hip and knee surgeries. Out of 3,060 patients, only 28 developed blood clots, which is a low rate of about 0.92%. The findings showed that the compression device was just as effective as standard blood-thinning medications, except for knee surgeries where it was slightly less effective than one medication called rivaroxaban. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing hip and knee surgeries by providing a safe alternative to traditional blood-thinning drugs.

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This study looked at how the size of the ball at the end of a hip replacement (the head) affects the risk of the hip dislocating after surgery. Researchers created computer models using CT scans of hips and tested different head sizes from 28 mm to 44 mm. They found that larger head sizes (36 mm and 44 mm) significantly reduced the chances of dislocation during activities like standing up from a chair or turning, making it safer for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing hip replacement surgeries by potentially lowering their risk of dislocation.

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This study looked at two ways to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing knee or hip surgery: using a mobile compression device and traditional medication. The findings showed that using the mobile device led to similar rates of blood clots as those seen with medications but with less major bleeding and lower overall costs. This matters because it offers a safer and potentially more economical alternative for patients recovering from joint surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgeries.

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This study looked at blood clots in patients who had knee replacement surgery, comparing those who had both knees done at once (55 patients) to those who had only one knee done at a time (287 patients). It found that 10.9% of the patients who had both knees operated on developed blood clots, while only 3.1% of those who had a single knee replacement experienced this issue. This matters because it shows that having both knees replaced at the same time carries a higher risk of complications, which can impact patient recovery. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and patients considering knee replacement surgery to make informed decisions about timing and risks.

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This study investigated how anti-gravity treadmills, which reduce the weight placed on the knees, can help patients recover from lower limb surgery. Researchers found that the forces on the knee decreased significantly from 5.1 times a person's body weight when walking quickly to only 0.8 times their body weight at a slower pace on the treadmill. This is important because it means these treadmills can help manage knee stress while patients are rehabilitating, making recovery easier and safer. Who this helps: Patients recovering from lower limb surgery.

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This study looked at whether outside measurements of knee strain and muscle activity can reliably predict the forces on the knee joint when walking. Researchers tested a person with a special knee implant to see how different walking styles affected the forces on the knee. They found that changes in the outside measurements did not strongly indicate changes in the actual forces inside the knee, meaning we can't always trust these measures to understand what's happening inside the joint. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers who treat and study knee pain and injuries.

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This research paper looks at how implantable sensors can track the forces and movements in bones and joints during everyday activities. The study found that these sensors effectively measure important stresses on bones and cartilage, which can help us understand how these tissues grow, repair themselves, and respond to injuries. This information is important because it can improve treatments for fractures and joint replacements, making surgeries more effective. Who this helps: Patients undergoing bone or joint surgeries.

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This study looked at the long-term results of a specific knee replacement design called the Press-Fit Condylar Sigma in 77 patients over an average of nearly 12 years. The results showed that 97% of the knee implants were still functioning well after 14 years, with very few revisions needed—only two out of 79 knees had to be replaced due to issues like instability or wear. This is important because it indicates that this knee replacement design has a high success rate and can last many years, helping patients maintain their mobility and quality of life. Who this helps: Patients needing knee replacements.

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This study looked at how much patients could bend their knees after getting knee replacement surgery, comparing two standard designs to three high-flexion designs. They found that while both standard and high-flexion designs led to similar levels of flexibility right after surgery, the high-flexion designs allowed for an extra 3 degrees of bending—resulting in a mean postoperative flexion of 114 degrees compared to 111 degrees for standard designs. This difference is important because even a slight increase in flexibility can improve a patient's overall satisfaction and mobility after surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how different factors affect the movement range of the hip after joint replacement surgery. The researchers found that proper placement of hip implants can significantly improve movement, achieving over 110 degrees of bending and other movements, while changing the implant shape alone only resulted in minor improvements. This is important because it suggests that customizing how implants are positioned in each patient can enhance hip function, even if the design doesn’t change much. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing hip replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how the alignment of a specific part of the knee replacement (the tibial component) affects wear over time, even when the overall alignment of the leg seems normal. Researchers found that tibial components initially aligned more than 3 degrees toward the inward side (varus) led to nearly double the wear rate compared to better-aligned components. This is significant because increased wear can lead to more damage in the knee and poorer outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing knee replacement surgeries.

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This study looked at a new way to arrange cells to better mimic natural tissue, which is crucial for understanding how cells work and for helping regenerate damaged tissues like the heart and lungs. Researchers used iron oxide particles and magnets to organize cells in three dimensions within gels, finding that it's safe to use these particles at certain concentrations and that they can actually promote tissue growth. This method could improve tissue engineering and help create organized repair tissues where they are needed in the body. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing tissue repair, like those with heart or lung damage.

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This research focused on how to prevent dangerous blood clots, known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgeries like hip or knee replacements. The findings recommend that patients should receive preventive treatments such as low-molecular-weight heparin or other specific medications for 10 to 14 days post-surgery to significantly reduce the risk of clots. It matters because using these preventive measures can lead to better recovery outcomes and lower the chances of serious complications from blood clots. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing major orthopedic surgeries.

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This research looked at the forces acting on the knee during different activities, especially in people with osteoarthritis or those who have had knee replacement surgery. It reviewed various ways these forces have been measured, finding that both computational models and real-life measurements are important for assessing knee function. Understanding these forces can help in improving treatments and interventions, like changing walking patterns or using supportive devices, to better manage knee health. Who this helps: This benefits patients with knee issues, healthcare providers, and rehabilitation specialists.

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This study examined how different lab conditions affect the growth of new cartilage from human cells placed in a special gel. Researchers found that using a combination of nutrient flow (perfusion) and physical pressure (dynamic loading) improved the production of cartilage-related proteins by at least three times compared to a control group after two weeks. However, while some growth factors increased, overall cartilage retention was low, indicating the need for better methods to support cartilage development. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing cartilage repair, such as those with arthritis or joint injuries.

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This study examined how leg muscle pressures and forces on the knee change during treadmill exercise while adjusting body weight using special pressure techniques. The researchers found that leg pressures significantly increased when running as body weight changed from 60% to 140%, with pressures being much higher during running than standing. This information is important because it can help improve rehabilitation methods and equipment for people recovering from injuries or astronauts dealing with muscle loss in space. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing rehabilitation and astronauts experiencing muscle and bone loss.

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This study looked at how bone shapes can limit how much people can bend their knees after knee replacement surgery. Researchers created detailed computer models for patients and found that patients in the high-flex group achieved an average knee bend of 125 degrees, while those in the low-flex group only reached 93 degrees. It's important to plan the surgery carefully to avoid bone impingement so that patients can achieve better knee movement after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how much people could bend their knees after total knee replacement surgery using different methods to measure knee flexion. Researchers found that patients who received high-flexion knee prostheses had better bending ability, achieving an average of 114 degrees measured clinically, compared to 111 degrees for standard designs. This is important because better knee flexion can help patients return to daily activities that require more bending, like squatting or kneeling. Who this helps: This helps patients who undergo knee replacement surgery by providing insights into prosthesis options that enhance mobility.

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This study looked at how the rotation of the femoral component in knee replacement surgery affects how the knee functions, particularly focusing on the role of a special type of bearing that can rotate. The researchers found that improper rotation of the femoral part can lead to significant issues, such as increased internal rotation of the knee by 3.4 degrees or external rotation by 4 degrees, and can cause the kneecap to shift up to 2.5 mm. However, using a rotating-bearing helped minimize these problems, keeping changes in movement and shift to less than 1 degree and 1 mm, respectively, which may lead to better outcomes for patients after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how the placement of knee replacement parts affects how much a patient can bend their knee before the parts get in the way of each other. By testing different positions for the implant components, researchers found that using a specific combination of positions could increase the maximum bending angle by an average of 14 degrees, leading to a better range of motion for patients. This is important because a greater knee bend can improve mobility and quality of life for people who undergo knee replacement surgery. Who this helps: Patients who need knee replacement surgery.

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This study explored how misalignment of the tibial tray (a component used in knee replacement surgery) affects the risk of bone damage and implant failure. Researchers simulated the effects of walking on four human knees under different alignment conditions. They found that when the tray was misaligned, it caused increased stress in the bone, leading to a higher risk of damage and failure, with greater strain observed in the bone around the implant. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing knee replacement surgery and their doctors by providing insights into the importance of proper alignment for successful outcomes.

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This study looked at a new type of knee implant called the Scorpio Non-Restrictive Geometry cruciate-retaining knee prosthesis, which is designed to help patients bend their knee more than 125 degrees after surgery. The researchers followed 87 patients and found that, one year after their surgery, 67% of them had better knee bending ability, with 23% reaching the 125-degree goal. On average, patients improved their knee flexion by about 7 degrees and their overall range of motion by about 11 degrees. Who this helps: Patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

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This study looked at the long-term success of a specific hip replacement system made of a hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem and a porous-coated acetabular shell after 15 years. They found that the femoral stem had a survival rate of 98.8%, meaning it lasted well in most patients, while the acetabular component had a lower survival rate of 69%. This is important because it shows that while the femoral stem is very reliable over time, the acetabular component may not work as well, indicating a need for improvement in hip replacement designs. Who this helps: This information benefits hip replacement patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at ways to prevent serious blood clotting problems, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who undergo hip replacement surgeries. It found that a new portable compression device was just as effective as a commonly used injection treatment (low-molecular-weight heparin), while causing fewer dangerous bleeding issues. This is important because preventing these complications can save lives and reduce the need for long-term medical treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from hip surgeries and their doctors.

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This study focused on measuring the forces in the knee joint during everyday activities and athletic movements using new wearable technology. Researchers found that they could accurately track knee movements and forces after surgery, with specific measurements like forward-backward movement ranging from -12 to +4 mm. This research is important because it can lead to better designs for knee replacements and improved rehabilitation methods. Who this helps: Patients recovering from knee surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how different methods of fixing a replaced meniscus in the knee affect its mechanics and stability. Researchers found that after removing the meniscus, the area of contact between bones decreased by 26%, and stress on those areas increased significantly. Properly suturing the meniscus horns improved contact area and reduced stress, highlighting that the way the meniscus is fixed is important for knee function and stability. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing meniscus replacement surgery and their doctors.

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This study developed a computer model to better understand how a special plastic called ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) behaves under different conditions, particularly when used in medical implants like hip replacements. The researchers tested eight samples of this plastic and found that their model predicted how the material would respond to stress with an average error of only 4.2% in some tests, showing its accuracy in simulating real-life conditions. This work is important because it can help improve the design and performance of medical devices, making them safer and more effective for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing hip replacement surgeries.

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This study looked at how well a mobile compression device (MCD) works compared to a blood thinner called low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in preventing blood clots in patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery. It found that while only 6% of patients using LMWH experienced major bleeding, there were no major bleeding events in the MCD group. Both groups had similar rates of blood clots, around 5%, which means the MCD prevented bleeding without increasing the risk of clots. Who this helps: Patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery.

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This study looked at a new type of knee implant called the Preservation Unicompartmental Knee Implant in 72 patients who had knee damage only on one side. After two years, patients showed significant improvements, with pain scores decreasing by 24 points and overall knee function scores increasing by 33 points. Only one patient had a small issue seen on X-rays, and two knees needed further surgery due to ongoing pain. Who this helps: This helps patients with knee damage limited to one side who are considering knee replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how changes in the way people walk affect the pressure on the inner part of the knee, which is important for understanding knee arthritis. Researchers found that while the first peak of a measure called the knee adduction moment (KAM) decreased by 32-33%, it did not lead to a similar drop in the pressure on the knee. However, a reduction in the second peak of the KAM (15-47%) did correspond to a 12-42% decrease in knee pressure. This is important because it shows that simply tracking the KAM isn’t enough; understanding both KAM and knee flexion moments is necessary to better predict pressure on the knee and develop effective walking habits for those with knee pain. Who this helps: This helps patients with knee osteoarthritis and their doctors in managing pain and disease progression.

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This study looked at how a special type of shoe that adjusts its firmness affects knee loading while walking in a patient with a knee replacement. Researchers found that wearing this shoe reduced the amount of force on the inside of the knee by about 12.3% and decreased the pressure on the knee joint by 13.3%. These findings are important because they indicate that this shoe could help decrease wear and tear on the knee joint, potentially improving mobility and comfort for patients with knee replacements. Who this helps: Patients with knee replacements.

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This study looked at how dislocating hip implants affects their surfaces over time. Researchers found that the roughness of dislocated femoral heads was significantly higher than that of non-dislocated heads, with dislocated oxidized zirconium heads being the roughest at an average of 2137 nanometers, compared to 368 nanometers for cobalt-chrome and 376 nanometers for alumina heads. This matters because increased surface roughness can lead to faster wear and potential complications for patients. Who this helps: Patients with hip implants, especially those who experience dislocation.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of injecting a pain medication called ropivacaine into the knee after total knee replacement surgery to help manage pain. Researchers found that while patients who received the ropivacaine injection reported slightly lower pain levels, the difference was not significant, and both groups used about the same amount of narcotics for pain relief. This is important because it suggests that using ropivacaine as the only method for pain control after this type of surgery may not be helpful. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery.