International launch for Australian knee ligament trial
11 April 2001
The world’s first human trial of the use of a growth factor in surgery to reconstruct knee ligaments has been unveiled at an international conference in Adelaide.
The trial, presented at the 13th Triennial Congress of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association, is about to begin in Australia and, if successful, could significantly decrease the recovery time from surgical reconstruction of torn ligaments.
Mr Hayden Morris, orthopaedic surgeon at the Mercy Hospital in Melbourne, is part of a research team that has been conducting the preliminary research and outlined the new technique to delegates at the Congress.
The world-first trial will involve the injection of a bone morphogenic protein (OP-1)—a genetically engineered, naturally occurring growth factor—into the bone tunnel during surgery. It’s hoped that the protein will improve the adhesion and remodelling of hamstring grafts for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (one of the main knee ligaments).
OP-1 is the same protein that was used to strengthen Essendon footballer James Hird’s foot when he broke it. OP-1 was used in combination with a bone graft, internal fixation with screws and ultrasonic stimulation to speed up healing.
OP-1 could also reduce the incidence of re-injury after surgery. Figures from past knee reconstruction surgical procedures show that between 4 and 8 per cent of grafts ruptured again when the athlete returned to playing sport.
Other Congress news
The Congress attracted representatives from 17 countries and showcased major new research and clinical developments on bone and joint surgery as well as general medical issues. Key presentations at the Congress included information on the establishment of the first joint registry in Australia and latest developments in knee sports surgery.
Last Reviewed: 11 April 2001
