NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: PASHiOn: Personalised Against Standard High tibial Osteotomy, a prospective multi-centre randomised controlled trial study
Funder: Versus Arthritis

Abstract: Provide a focal point for proactive engagement between researchers, biosample collections, the public, regulators and policy makers supporting evidence based approaches to sample collection, governance and public engagement.


Research activity codes: 6.3 MEDICAL DEVICES;6.4 SURGERY
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: Developing a software system to improve the management and outcome of knee replacement surgery by combining radiographic image information with clinical and patient data
Funder: Wellcome Trust

Abstract: Knee replacement surgery (KRS) is commonly performed (~100,000/year in UK) in patients with severe osteoarthritis. Despite a good outcome for most patients, 20% of patients experience chronic pain afterwards and 4.4% require revision surgery within 10 years for a variety of reasons. My goal is to develop a software system to predict poor outcome and early revision in KRS. The system will facilitate (i) informed decision-making about surgery, enabling targeted interventions such as preventive pain management; and (ii) the identification of patients that need closer follow-up post-surgery, enabling more remote monitoring of patients. Radiographic knee shape has been shown to be a predictor for the outcome of KRS. I have developed the BoneFinder®-technology, an internationally leading technology to automatically outline structures in radiographs. Using machine learning methods, a system will be developed to automatically measure the knee in pre-/post-operative radiographs, and to predict poor outcome based on the radiographic measurements, clinical and patient-reported data. To facilitate implementation of such a system for patient benefit, it will serve as a use case to create a sustainable toolkit for translating medical imaging solutions in particular and digital healthcare solutions more broadly; aiming to reduce the translational gap between research and clinical practice.

Lay abstract: About 100,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the UK to help people with severe knee osteoarthritis. Although most are successful, 1 in 5 patients experience chronic pain after the surgery and 1 in 23 patients will need more surgery within 10 years, due to complications such as the replacement becoming loose. I will develop a computer tool to better understand why a knee replacement may lead to chronic pain after surgery or the need for more surgery. The tool will learn to predict poor outcome based on knee X-ray images, clinical and patient-reported data. For patients and doctors to benefit from the tool more quickly, I will develop guidance and strategies on how to bring such a tool into the clinic. The tool will facilitate informed doctor-patient decision-making and enable personalised treatment, such as preventive pain management, for patients at risk of poor outcome.

Research activity codes: 4.2 EVALUATION OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research (CMAR)
Funder: Versus Arthritis

Abstract: Poor musculoskeletal health has a significant impact upon the economy, society and the individual. The Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research (CMAR) integrates the work of world class researchers, clinicians and health professionals at the Universities of Birmingham, Nottingham and Oxford to focus on understanding: 1. The age-related loss of musculoskeletal mass and function, including the role played by lifestyle (diet, physical inactivity) in influencing the trajectory of this process. Mechanisms such as anabolic resistance, autophagy, neuromuscular decline and cell senescence are key mechanisms being investigated; 2. How ageing influences musculoskeletal disease pathogenesis and frailty. This will include determining: whether ageing is accelerated in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other chronic inflammatory conditions using epigenetic marks indicative of biological ageing, the role of the gut microbiome in musculoskeletal health and disease, the role of anti-inflammatory pathways and their dysregulation in ageing and RA, the factors driving the sarcopaenia secondary to common chronic inflammatory diseases (COPD, IBD) and physical trauma. 3. Physical activity and diet-based interventions will continue to be assessed and validated in healthy elders and patients, ensuring protocols are tailored to adults of differing ability. Metabolomics will be used to help RA patient stratification for therapy and biomedical engineers and neuroscience researchers will test novel methods to improve tissue regeneration and motor control respectively. CMAR will continue to apply its internationally recognised expertise in motivational psychology to develop programmes achieving good adherence in adults, including patients with arthritis and chronic inflammatory conditions. CMAR will also place emphasis on collaborative working, supporting students and early career researchers to make collaborative visits of up to 1 year to other centres of excellence in the UK or overseas


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS;3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: CIMA: The Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing
Funder: Versus Arthritis

Abstract: The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) brings together scientific and clinical expertise in different disciplines from the universities of Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield. Formed in 2012, CIMA has developed an integrated approach to study the effects of ageing on the musculoskeletal system, which has been demonstrably successful. CIMA has focussed activities in areas of critical mass where collaborations have provided enhanced value. These include the role of epigenetic changes in cells and tissues affected by musculoskeletal ageing, development of an assessment protocol for monitoring age-related decline in the musculoskeletal system (the CIMA Toolkit), and proof of principle pre-clinical and human studies to identify interventions that reduce the deleterious effects of ageing on the musculoskeletal system. CIMA has developed an innovative graduate training programme and undertaken well-received public engagement activities. The revised CIMA strategy will be increasingly translational, but informed by basic research. Specifically, we will; determine how epigenetic changes in the ageing musculoskeletal system MR/P020941/1 Page 3 of 12 Date Saved: 15/09/2016 11:53:18 Date Printed: 15/09/2016 12:02:55 Academic Beneficiaries Describe who will benefit from the research Communications Plan Please outline your plans for engagement, communication and dissemination about your research and its outcomes with the research community and, where appropriate, with potentially interested wider audiences Impact Summary If awarded, this content will be made publicly available and applicants are responsible for ensuring that the content is suitable for publication. influence the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, the effect of modification of epigenetic changes on musculoskeletal function, and the effect of lifestyle changes on epigenetic marks and molecules; design and implement interventions based on physical activity, nutrition, anti-inflammatory or age-retarding agents on decline of the ageing musculoskeletal system; extend the CIMA training programme to increase MRes, PhD and clinical training, and; develop engagement and impact activities to increase involvement of patients and the older population, and work with industry and other partners to maximise translation of our research discoveries. Finally, it will provide a resilience that will ensure musculoskeletal ageing moves to the centre of medical research activities within and beyond the UK.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS;5.7 PHYSICAL
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: PAtient-centred Care for FIbromyalgia: New pathway Design (PACFIND)
Funder: Versus Arthritis

Abstract: Workstream 2: Prospective inception cohort of patients with shoulder pain Objectives: (i) Develop a prediction model using information from patient history, physical examination, ultrasound scans, and additional prognostic factors, (ii) define prognostic subgroups at low versus increased risk of poor outcome. Methods: A clinical inception cohort of consecutive adults (n=1000) consulting with shoulder pain in general practices or self-referral physiotherapy services, of whom an estimated 600 will attend a research clinic for assessment (history, examination, ultrasound scan). All participants will complete a baseline questionnaire to assess clinical, lifestyle, work-related, and psychosocial factors. Follow-up includes postal/online questionnaires and medical record review over 3 years to assess patient outcomes and healthcare use. Primary outcome will be shoulder pain and disability (SPADI) at 6 months. Multivariable regression will be used to investigate the prognostic value of diagnostic and prognostic information, and develop a brief screening tool to discriminate between prognostic subgroups. Key outputs: Prediction model to estimate individuals’ risk of poor outcome; defined prognostic subgroups; novel data on long-term patient outcomes linked to healthcare data.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS;7.4 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DISEASE MANAGEMENT)
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work
Funder: Versus Arthritis

Abstract: This Centre was established to address major research questions to minimise the adverse impacts of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace with benefits for patients, workers, employers and society at large. We created an integrated multi-disciplinary centre of excellence, developed 13 early career scientists and became recognised as a national resource for advice a. Our intention now is to develop larger programmes of research, complemented by cross-cutting themes, which will yield major impacts in the longer term, whilst continuing to develop researchers and influence policy-makers. Key goals: · Partnerships with small, medium-sized, public and commercial sector employers/managers enabling us to measure the burden of MSDs, and develop and test the feasibility of implementation of interventions to improve musculoskeletal health and support workers with MSDs · A prediction model which can define patients at high risk of long-term sickness absence from their early care-seeking behaviour and symptoms /characteristics · Understanding of what employment support should be given by whom, when, to improve work outcomes amongst people seeking healthcare with MSDs · An app which delivers targeted messages to people with low back pain and pilot data as to whether this approach changes back pain patients’ behaviour · To quantify the impact of MSDs (with/without comorbidities) on ability to work to older ages and what employers could do to enable older workers · Measurement of the burden of MSDs on work in rural settings and pilot feasibility work to intervene ·International consensus on standardisation of work outcome measures ·A business case for employers to inform investment in workers’ health ·Establishment as the national resource for all stakeholders · Cadre of trained researchers prepared to lead future research on MSDs and work · Additional competitive funding · Research publications, presentations and reports that feed into Government policy, and employment and clinical practice


Research activity codes: 8.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (HEALTH SERVICES)
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Therapy Centre Versus Arthritis
Funder: Versus Arthritis

Abstract: We aim to continue and further develop the world-class translational regenerative research programmes already established and deliver maximum impact amongst the millions suffering from osteoarthritis. Our mission and overarching goals are based upon our original application. Mission: To combine emerging Tissue Engineering and Regenerative technologies with minimally invasive surgical solutions to treat cartilage damage and early osteoarthritis. Goals: Refine cell populations for effective joint surface repair/regeneration. Improve our understanding of the mechanism of action of implanted cells. Improve our knowledge of endogenous stem cells to effect intrinsic repair. Develop scaffolds with personalised geometries for the treatment of joint surface defects. Facilitate widespread use of cell therapy by simplifying its delivery and improving effectiveness. We will be patient-centred while developing our cross-disciplinary translational research. We propose to structure our work into three core themes: Patients – clinical trials and linked systems biology approach. Cell populations – both as therapy and target for therapy. Molecules and Materials – with specific reference to biological effect and endogenous targeting, personalised approaches and point-of-care manufacture. Our therapy roadmap will seek to deliver pre-clinical and early-phase clinical trials: minimally manipulated or culture-expanded cell therapies, osteochondral and patient-specific scaffolds and molecular approaches to induce endogenous repair.


Research activity codes: 5.2 CELLULAR AND GENE THERAPIES;6.2 CELLULAR AND GENE THERAPIES
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: Reconstructing lives - A proposed strategy to build life changing Trauma and Orthopaedic research foundations for the future
Funder: Barts Charity

Abstract: This Program Grant aims to attract world-leading investigators in orthopaedic sciences to support the establishment of the Barts Orthopaedic Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence in adults and children in collaboration with Barts Health NHS Trust and Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. The investment requests 4 years support for 10 posts, with the recruitment of the Chair position as key element supported by 2 senior lecturers, a clinical lecturer, a research manager, a translational research portfolio manager, a research associate, a data scientist, a data coordinator and a PhD student. Orthopaedic clinical research infrastructure is relatively underdeveloped and under supported across the UK. Provided with critical infrastructure, the team has the potential to become a leading and attractive centre for world-leading researchers and academics focusing on research and translation in orthopaedics in the UK. This would enable the enormous potential offered by the diverse patient population to be unlocked, in order to bring direct benefits locally and worldwide, and capitalise on the early success the department has built to date.


Research activity codes: 1.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (UNDERPINNING);2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: ZAPPT – An AI-powered tool for reduced OA knee pain
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: We have developed novel technology that enables directed, timed application of functional electrical stimulation to activate a subject's muscles in real time, as they move. Our system is based on simple motion sensors combined with advanced AI algorithms to process and understand movements in real time. Targeted muscular activation has various uses in rehabilitation and physical medicine. We have developed our technology for two initial groups of patients: those with injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee, and those with osteoarthritis of the knee. In the former group, targeted muscular activation enables dynamic bracing of the knee, stabilising the joint and allowing intensive rehabilitation to proceed. In the latter, precisely timed activation can enable knee joint unloading, which has been shown to be associated with reduced pain and improved prognosis. A unique feature of our technology is the ability, using algorithms developed using Artificial Intelligence (AI), to apply the stimulation during multiple different activities, and not just walking, making it a truly wearable device.


Research activity codes: 5.3 MEDICAL DEVICES
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: SutureWeld: a novel ultrasonic implant welding technology for surgical suture holding
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: OsteoWeld is a highly innovative medtech SME, whose technical expertise has enabled it to develop a degradable ultrasonic-driven suturing implant solution ('SutureWeld') that guarantees optimal suture tension and prevents knot slippage during the healing process. One of the main challenges associated with surgical knot-tying, especially during arthroscopic surgeries, is the difficulty of tension transfer to the knot through the instrumentation, leading to ineffective knots that result in slippage or suture rupture. Many surgeons acknowledge the need for effective solutions, such as the SutureWeld, to overcome this challenge, helping them to perform effective suturing, dramatically reducing complications and therefore, reducing patient discomfort and accelerating patient recovery. This project aims to develop the first ultrasonic-based solution for surgical suturing that avoids the need for knot-tying techniques by applying OsteoWeld's implant welding technology applied to bone-to-bone and bone-to-tendon laceration repairing procedures. OsteoWeld's proposed solution will produce an effective suturing protocol and easy-to-use instrumentation that will enable optimal suture tension to be maintained throughout the healing process with no need for implant removal surgery, as these are completely absorbed by the human body once healing has occurred. This project will therefore enable OsteoWeld to secure an advantageous market position in line with an expected upsurge of surgical procedures. SutureWeld will allow global healthcare providers to make significant time and cost savings, while providing surgeons with a more reproducible solution for difficult surgical knot-tying concerns.


Research activity codes: 5.4 SURGERY
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: A smart, iceless cold compression device to speed recovery from orthopaedic surgery/injury, reducing hospital stays by one day/patient
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: With a core project team of James Whitlock (Project/Technical Lead), Leighton Thomas (Managing Director) and John Barter (Commercial Lead), UK medical devices SME Physiolab Technologies Ltd (Physiolab) is developing a smart, iceless, cold compression device to speed recovery and reduce hospital stays following orthopaedic surgery/injury. The use of thermoelectric effect and smart technology makes the device efficient, effective and easy to use, offering broader access to proven treatment and enabling the NHS to remove patients from waitlists. As wait times are longest in areas with lower socioeconomic status, this solution can improve medical equity across the UK.


Research activity codes: 5.3 MEDICAL DEVICES;7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: Using graphene to generate tissues suitable for joint replacement components
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Arthritis is a disease of aging and leads to pain, lack of movement in joints, particularly hips and knees, and poor quality of life. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 has hip and knee osteoarthritis ranked as the 12th highest contributor to global disability. With an aging population and increasing obesity the number of people in the UK with knee osteoarthritis is over 5 million and estimated to increase a further 30% by 2030\. There is a rapidly increasing demand for treatment of osteoarthritis in young (35-55 years old) high activity patients. These patients are still within their working life so costs to society include the loss of productivity, general and psychological health, as well as those of direct treatment. It is widely accepted that conservative treatment fails many of these patients but that current joint replacement technologies, although very successful in older patients, are not suitable or efficient. Therefore, a new approach is needed to tackle this problem and return these individuals to their chosen lifestyle. Current knee replacement implants are made of plastic, metal and sometimes ceramics and so cannot, like our natural bodies, repair themselves so they eventually wear out. The operation to replace them, revision knee surgery, is more difficult and more likely to have problems than the first one. Therefore, a knee replacement that did not wear out would be more desirable. To make this a possibility, we will develop the first stage in making tissue structures that can be used to make components that could then replace the parts of the knee damaged by osteoarthritis. This will be by making the correct supporting structures needed for these tissues as they need to be strong enough to be made into components that can be implanted. This will remove the need to use metal, plastic or ceramic to mend the knee joint. This will have other benefits, it should give better movement as it is the same as a normal knee, it should reduce the chances of serious infections after operations as there is no "foreign" material such as metal, plastic or ceramic within the body for bacteria to attach to. It will preserve the current approach to knee surgery so it will also allow patients to benefit from the advances that have been made in knee surgery over the last 20 years which have significantly improved functional outcomes for patients.


Research activity codes: 5.3 MEDICAL DEVICES;5.4 SURGERY
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL
Title: Artificial Intelligence Powered Computer Aided Design Platform for Design and 3D Printing of Patient Specific Implants
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Artificial intelligence powered computer aided design (CAD) platform for design and 3D printing of patient specific orthopaedic implants. Technology that would bring disruptive innovation in the medical industry by changing conventional design and manufacturing process of medical implants. The software platform will be powered by state-of-the-art machine learning algorithm for automatic segmentation and model generation. An integrated design platform would allow the user to internally convent the segmented model into a solid model. The platform will have all the necessary CAD features needed for design of new patient specific implant from the internally converted solid model and then directly export it to 3D printing machine.


Research activity codes: 5.3 MEDICAL DEVICES
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL