Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli – HTO Research

Abnormal knee loading is known to contribute towards knee osteoarthritis, causing tissue damage and pain. High tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure that corrects abnormal knee loading conditions and alleviates osteoarthritis symptoms. However, we don’t fully understand how different surgical procedures affect joint tissues. Establishing the relationship between joint structure and joint surgery presents an opportunity to understand the trajectory of osteoarthritis and how it can be managed.

The Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute (IOR) in Bologna (Italy) is a hospital and research facility with an ongoing clinical trial (Clinical Trial Gov Number NCT05865899) assessing the impact of high tibial osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis. In collaboration with IOR, we will use novel medical imaging tools to assess bone and joint changes in osteoarthritis patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy. Through this collaboration, we will share our expertise in image analysis with IOR, whilst also gaining access to a unique image dataset where we can apply, assess and enhance the analysis tools that we have recently implemented.

This clinical trial will explore the underlying mechanisms that can delay osteoarthritis development and will facilitate informed and shared decision-making between patients and physicians, which will aid in maintaining long-term joint health and quality of life.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sarah Manske

Student:

Partner:

IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: