Institute for Orthopedic Research and Education (IORE)

Research

As important as caring for patients is our commitment to research.  The Institute for Orthopedic Research and Education (IORE) embedded within the Memorial Hermann Orthopaedic and Surgical Hospital (MHOSH), is dedicated to joint replacement related research and directed by our own faculty, Dr. Philip Noble, adjunct professor in our department.

Dr. Noble is nationally and internationally recognized in the translation of biomechanics to arthroplasty and in the development of new designs of hip and knee replacements. His diverse contributions to translational research in orthopedics include the development of biologic solutions using ex vivo modeling, computational modeling of tissues and implants using finite element analysis, cadaveric simulation of joint function in health and disease, and patient-centered clinical research ranging from joint registries to the creation of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMIS). Architectural plans for the new RIOS facility are complete and construction is expected to begin in 2019.

After opening in 2020, this new facility will serve multiple functions, including the development and evaluation of new technologies in orthopedics and the training of faculty, residents, and fellows in robotic and enabling technologies for improving outcomes in arthroplasty. In addition, the new research center will provide broad coverage of the needs of joint replacement faculty in investigating the present-day problems of joint arthroplasty.

The IORE and lab are located at MHOSH which is the same building as our clinic, OR, and weekly conferences, allowing us to maintain close collaboration and support for each project.  The engineers and staff assist with IRB approval, literature review, project management, chart review, study testing, analysis, and manuscript writing.

Specific research areas that are currently under investigation, in temporary accommodation at MHOSH, include:

  • Design and implementation of a registry of all patients served by the UT Joint Service;
  • Characterization of biological responses to implants and surfaces ex-vivo (bone bioreactor);
  • Development of 3D visualization technologies for pre-operative planning and analysis of complex arthroplasties;
  • Development and analysis of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMIS) in combination with wearable activity monitoring sensors;
  • Development and evaluation of intraoperative strategies to eliminate periprosthetic joint infections;
  • Analysis of patient outcomes following robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty to determine optimal values of parameters defining the placement of the prosthetic components and laxity of the prosthetic joint during knee motion;
  • Creation of optimal strategies for the prevention and treatment of periprosthetic fractures based on finite element analysis of computer simulations;
  • Development of a CT-image based classification system of periprosthetic fractures of the femur and tibia to facilitate personalization of fracture treatment;
  • Mechanical simulation of the response of prosthetic limbs to loading regimes imposed by real-world activities;
  • Experimental investigation of factors affecting tribo-corrosion of multi-component assemblies in total hip replacement;
  • Experimental simulation of interface motion of cementless tibial trays in response to functional loading;
  • Computational and experimental investigation of fracture initiation and propagation in pathologic bone.

As part of the fellowship expatiations, we require the fellows to complete at least one project by the end of the year. The fellows have dedicated research time scheduled weekly.

IORE website: http://www.iore.net