On the first day in Denver, the fellows arrived to a potentially hazardous snow blizzard. The next morning they visited Dr Blackwood at Foothills Hospital, Boulder Community Care. Dr Blackwood was supported by a dynamic team including his PA, Cheryl Blackwood, trainee PA Jasmine, senior nurse Deena and Kody, Stryker team including Jonathan Strader, Alex Staples and AZ. In a jam packed day, across two theatres, Dr Blackwood rapidly performed a total of 8 Mako assisted total joint arthroplasty cases (6 knees and 2 hips), but still somehow managed to retain an air of total calmness, finishing in time for lunch and a discussion of the days cases. What a feat of surgical excellence and robotic precision!
The next day, the fellows travelled to Colorado Joint Replacement group and were met on arrival by Patrick Yahne and orthopaedic fellow Dr Nicole Quinlan. They then met with Dr Jason Jennings in theatre along with Depuy representative Jackie Gorman. This was followed by a busy day with Dr Jennings operating a two theatre swing system with a list of total knee and hip arthroplasty cases. This was an opportunity to discuss navigation in knee replacement, surgical technique and implant factors with a great opportunity for dialogue and discussion of each case. Following the morning’s operating Dr Jennings went on to discuss his practice and extensive research practice. The fellows were also able to meet with research manager Rose Johnson who gave an insightful overview of the Colorado Joint Replacement group’s rich database of more than 30,000 patients and discussion of the process involved in managing such a busy research portfolio.
On the final day of the Denver leg the fellows visited the University of Denver hosted by Professor Paul Rullkoetter and his team. They were greeted with an omelette bar and attended a stimulating seminar by Dr Qiang Zhang titled ‘Biological signals-driven neuromuscular system modelling and advanced nonlinear control/adaptive optimal control for wearable robotic assistive devices.’ Afterwards they were shown around the world class research facilities at Denver. Dr Kevin Shelburne first showed the fellows the human dynamics lab which houses a motion capture and high-speed stereo X-Ray system. Dr Shelburne gave an insight into all the different projects they have carried out which truly covered all aspects of understanding how the body moves. Across the hall Dr Chadd Clary showcased their cadaveric lab and joint simulators.
In the afternoon Denver University put on a fascinating series of talks by both students and faculty covering topics such as improving inputs for finite element modelling, modelling of shoulder arthroplasty, robotic TKA outcomes and pelvic tilt influence on impingement for total hip arthroplasty. There was such great discussions after each presentation it meant that talks overran by nearly two hours! Next up it was the fellows first opportunity to present their research. Tom started things off talking about the use of metabolic equivalent (MET) score in capturing additional benefits above standard PROMS, Irene introduced the engineering side of her ultrasonic cutting tool work, Nidal talked about the importance of Ion channels in skeletal development, Simon talked about how he uses big data to both inform patients and current guidance in the UK, David gave an overview of his work looking at in-vivo imaging using Biplane Xray and MRI and Nisreen closed off the session talking about biological effects of ultrasonic cutting.
After a long day of research presentations and discussions the fellows were treated to tickets to go and watch the Denver Pioneers vs Minnesota Duluth. The two surgeons who hosted on the first few days also attended and helped provide insight into the intricacies of ice hockey. Next stop Philadelphia!
British Orthopaedic Research Society 