2 research outputs found
Conservation Tools: The Next Generation of Engineering--Biology Collaborations
The recent increase in public and academic interest in preserving
biodiversity has led to the growth of the field of conservation technology.
This field involves designing and constructing tools that utilize technology to
aid in the conservation of wildlife. In this article, we will use case studies
to demonstrate the importance of designing conservation tools with
human-wildlife interaction in mind and provide a framework for creating
successful tools. These case studies include a range of complexities, from
simple cat collars to machine learning and game theory methodologies. Our goal
is to introduce and inform current and future researchers in the field of
conservation technology and provide references for educating the next
generation of conservation technologists. Conservation technology not only has
the potential to benefit biodiversity but also has broader impacts on fields
such as sustainability and environmental protection. By using innovative
technologies to address conservation challenges, we can find more effective and
efficient solutions to protect and preserve our planet's resources
Short term clinical outcomes of a Prochondrix® thin laser-etched osteochondral allograft for the treatment of articular cartilage defects in the knee
Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of Prochondrix® novel thin, laser-etched osteochondral allograft on isolated articular cartilage defects. Methods: Eighteen patients with isolated, symptomatic, full-thickness articular cartilage lesions were treated with marrow stimulation followed by placement of a T-LE allograft. Demographic and intra-operative data was recorded as well as pre- and post-operative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Tegner scores. Pre- and post-operative data was compared at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months post operatively. Failures requiring reoperation were also recorded. Results: At a mean follow-up of 2.5 years (6–43 months), VAS decreased from 6.55 to 2.55 ( p = .02) and subjective IKDC scores increased from 37.61 to 59.65 ( p = .02). Statistically significant increases were also seen in KOOS Function-Sports and Recreational Activities (+26.04, p = .04) and KOOS QOL (+18.76, p = .007) as well as in SF-36 Physical Functioning (+25.20, p = .04), Energy/Fatigue (+16.50, p = .02), Social Functioning (+11.79, p = .04), and Bodily Pain (+25.18, p = .04). There were two failures requiring reoperation: one conversion to a patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA), and one graft dislodgement which required removal. Conclusion: Treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the knee with ProChondrix® has demonstrated sustained positive results out to a mean follow-up of two and a half years in this prospective case series with a low failure rate that required reoperation (2 patients) in this series. These results are comparable to the short-term results of other cartilage restoration procedures currently in use today. A meta-analysis of osteochondral allografting demonstrated a mean 86.7% survival rate at 5 years with significant improvements in clinical outcome scores reaching MCID values