In 1989 a conference was hosted by the IMechE to review the role of engineers and their involvement in a wide range of orthopaedic related problems.  Various experimental and early numerical techniques were presented, as well as concepts for in vivo monitoring applied to the fields of total joint replacement, spine and fracture repair.  The main aim of the meeting was to discuss the application of existing engineering expertise and emerging technologies to the problem of assessing the performance of orthopaedic devices either in the development phase or in vivo. 

Although there have been technological advances since that meeting, in particular in relation to  significant advances in the sophistication and complexity of computational modelling, it is arguable whether we have made any real progress towards the goal of being able to predict the in vivo performance of orthopaedic devices.  This has been highlighted by the dramatic clinical failures seen with the capital hip stem and cement.  International standards have been introduced to screen out poor designs, but these largely test the integrity of the device, not of the complete device-patient construct.  So why is it so difficult to predict the future performance of a new total joint replacement or of a novel fracture fixation device? 

This seminar will pull together some of the original speakers from the 1989 conference, in order for them to review progress in their respective fields and to openly discuss whether we are any closer to being able to predict in vivo performance.  In addition, new speakers will contribute forward looking talks, outlining what they think may be achieved in the next 20 years.  The seminar will provide an opportunity for a frank and open discussion of the current status of our assessment techniques and how they can be improved.

This seminar will be of interest to the following people:

-          Engineers involved in the design and development of orthopaedic devices.  The seminar will highlight the limitations of existing pre-clinical test methods.

-          Researchers involved in the development of experimental or numerical test methods.  Through discussion with engineers and clinicians, the seminar will provide direction for future developments.

-          Clinicians who routinely use orthopaedic devices or are involved in the development of devices.  The seminar will give them appreciation of what can or cannot be assessed using existing techniques and provide input for the development of better techniques.