Lead Researcher:
Professor George Murrell
Significance
Add up to 100 words on introduction, including why research is important, potential impact, impacted population etc etc.
Major Achievements
The M-COR hip replacement stem and the Equator+ acetabular cup, a modular prosthesis in titanium alloy (4 years research and development).
Nitric oxide and tendon healing
We have found that a small molecule, nitric oxide, is important in tendon healing(1). In three randomised clinical trials for tendon overuse disorders (Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow and supraspinatus tendonitis (2)) nitric oxide delivered by a patch significantly improved pain and function compared with patients receiving placebo patches.
Diagnosing disorders of the shoulder
In a study involving 400 patients, we found that there are just three clinical examination tests that are useful for diagnosing a rotator cuff tear(3). When combined together, these tests can predict whether a patient has a tear or not with an 80% accuracy. They can be performed in less than 20 seconds at no cost.
Current and Future Research
Minimally invasive shoulder surgery
We are performing a series of studies to determine the best way to repair damaged structures in the shoulder. Our current work shows that the newer arthroscopic techniques are superior to open surgery, can be performed as day cases under local anaesthesia, and fast, effective with minimal “collateral damage”.
Tendinopathy
Tendinopathy is the most common disorder of tendon and is related to “overuse”. In a series of experiments we are gradually unravelling the mechanisms that cause tendinopathy with the ultimate aim that these disorders can be prevented and treated early and effectively.
A revision knee replacement is also under development and now is at the early prototype stage of development, with finite element analysis completed.
Recent publications
Murrell GAC, Szabo C, Hannafin JA, Jang D, Dolan MM, Deng X, Murrell DF, Warren RF. Modulation of tendon healing by nitric oxide. Inflamm Res. 1997;46(1):19-27.
Paoloni JA, Appleyard RC, Nelson J, Murrell GAC. Topical glyceryl trinitrate application in the treatment of chronic supraspinatus tendinopathy: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Am J Sports Med. Jun 2005;33(6):806-813.
Murrell GAC, Walton J. Diagnosis of rotator cuff tears. Lancet. 2001;357(9258):769-770.
