Orthopaedics research at Murdoch

Our orthopaedic research led by Professor Allan Wang, Professor Piers Yates, Mr Ben Jeffcote and Mr Mark Hurworth focuses on improving outcomes for patients. Research concentrates on rehabilitation and investigating if new technology improves patient outcomes after knee, hip and shoulder surgery.

Our research is undertaken at the Murdoch Centre for Orthopaedic Research at St John of God Murdoch Hospital – one of the leading private hospitals providing orthopaedic care in Western Australia.

Orthopaedic research is particularly important as there is an increasing number of technologies and equipment available in this field. Therefore assessing patient outcomes (including recovery times, mobility, complications and time spent in hospital) ensures this technology is used effectively.
Furthermore, physiotherapy and medication to assist recovery and care is important for patients undergoing knee, hip and shoulder replacements. Optimal use of medication and improved physiotherapy protocols ensure patients have reduced pain levels and improved mobility after surgery.

Our research focuses on assessing how new technologies and techniques work for patients undergoing knee, hip and shoulder surgery.
We are also investigating new exercise rehabilitation protocols and methods for assessing patient outcomes after surgery.

We have eight clinical trials underway and are currently recruiting participants.

A study on the 3D microstructure of tendons with different physiology.
Principal Investigator: Professor Allan Wang
Details: Structural changes in degenerative tendon are being examined using a new 3D technique.

Computer Navigated Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: The Learning Curve.
Principal Investigator: Professor Allan Wang
Details: The technical aspects of computer navigation in reverse shoulder replacement surgery are being evaluated in this study.

Activity following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
Principal Investigator: Professor Allan Wang
Details: A related review paper.

Knee cartilage repair registry
Principal Investigator: Mr Ben Jeffcote
Details: The purpose of the Cartilage Repair Registry (CRR) is to measure a range of patient outcomes for individuals receiving arthroscopic knee cartilage repair surgery.

Clinical and radiological outcome using the Absolut femoral prosthesis and the Global cup system.
Principal Investigator: Professor Piers Yates
Details: Long-term patient outcomes of an innovative hip joint replacement system are being evaluated.

The Knee Stress Test: a proposed test for assessing patient outcomes in knee arthroplasty using a bicycle power meter.
Principal Investigator: Mr Mark Hurworth
Details: Recovery of leg muscle power and patient function are being examined following knee replacement surgery.

Multi-centre clinical evaluation of the ATTUNE® Revision System in complex primary total knee arthroplasty
Principal Investigator: Professor Piers Yates
Details: This study will evaluate patient outcomes following primary knee arthroplasty using the ATTUNE revision system.

Multi-centre clinical evaluation of the ATTUNE® Revision System in revision total knee arthroplasty
Principal Investigator: Professor Piers Yates
Details: This study will evaluate patient outcomes following revision knee arthroplasty using the ATTUNE revision system.

Recently completed trials

A comparison of functional outcomes at baseline and three months post knee arthroscopy: a pilot study
Principal Investigator: Mr Ben Jeffcote
Details: This study demonstrated differences in knee arthroscopy outcomes in patients with and without joint degeneration.

Shoulder and Elbow Society of Australia survey study
Principal Investigator: Professor Allan Wang
Details: Survey of shoulder and elbow surgeons about management of rotator cuff pathology and prognosis.

Partial versus total knee replacement: a single surgeon retrospective study.
Principal Investigator: Mr Ben Jeffcote
Details: Patient outcomes were examined following partial and total joint replacement surgery for knee osteoarthritis.

Long-term functional outcomes and patient satisfaction following plantar fasciotomy for plantar fasciitis
Principal Investigator: Mr Peter Ammon
Details: Long term improvements in function and high patient satisfaction with surgery were reported by patients who did not respond to conservative treatment.

Please contact mcor@sjog.org.au for more information.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital

Professor Allan Wang – Orthopaedic Surgeon
Professor Piers Yates - Orthopaedic Surgeon
Mr Ben Jeffcote – Orthopaedic Surgeon
Mr Mark Hurworth – Orthopaedic Surgeon
Mr Peter Ammon – Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr Katherine Mackie – Orthopaedic Research Officer
Ms Rebekah Laurenson – Orthopaedic Research Officer