‘’Keeping up with new tech, whilst improving surgical skills is topmost challenge facing orthopaedic surgeons’’

What were the main objectives of the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research (IMAR) when it was set up in 2003?

Rami Abboud

IMAR main objectives are to promote excellence in teaching, research and the provision of clinical service in the field of musculoskeletal, biomechanics and motion analysis.

What are the challenges and trends facing orthopaedic surgeons in the practice of orthopaedic and trauma surgery?

I would believe that keeping up to date with new and evolving knowledge and technology whilst improving their surgical skills is the top most challenge facing orthopaedic surgeons today.

Keeping abreast of implant developments and monitoring the long-term outcomes of these to identify any issues with new designs etc. is another challenge. For example, recent problems with the metal on metal hip prosthesis highlighted problems with this specific design, which have resulted in annual, life-long follow-up all of these patients as UK government policy.

Challenges therefore are present in many aspects of practice, from choosing the best design, to being innovative but managing the ability to evaluate individual practice. Orthopaedic surgeons should be involved in research projects to evaluate specific practices, such as investigating the alignment of forces across the knee joint and the impact of orthoses use which may prevent or delay surgery.

Demographic studies show ageing populations are going to be the norm in most countries and with this reality, come related bone health risks. How is IMAR preparing orthopaedic surgeons to meet these treatment challenges?

IMAR is in collaboration with the Ageing and Health department, looking at balance and how this may be managed with medical intervention. Other IMAR research projects have studied the long-term biomechanical changes in different types of joint prostheses and the impact this has on functional ability. Long-term monitoring and feedback of outcomes of arthroplasty surgery informs surgeons of how well clinically all age groups of patients do post-operatively. Research and audit projects performed at IMAR provide reflections that allow surgeons to use evidence-based practice within their own practices.

What are the recent treatment trends in trauma surgery?

One of the recent trends is the use of technology in assessment to choose the most appropriate treatment modality. For example, motion analysis in cerebral palsy patients; computer aided navigation in total hip and knee replacements; surgical oncology; minimal invasive surgery; laparoscopic investigation and surgery, etc.

Is the role of biomechanics and motion analysis in meeting these treatment challenges part of the formal medical education system?

In order to effectively treat any part of the human musculoskeletal system, it is important to fully understand its biomechanics and yet biomechanics is still not part of any undergraduate medical or vocational curriculum worldwide other than on our courses at IMAR at the University of Dundee.

What are the different courses in orthopaedic and trauma surgery offered at the University of Dundee? How are these courses different from those offered by other institutes?

• Master of Orthopaedic Surgery (MCh Orth) Course accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England: this degree aims to provide a Masters degree consisting of taught, clinical attachment and research components delivered through a balanced and synergistic syllabus of clinical orthopaedic theory and practise with closely related basic sciences and biomechanics. It also provides a high level of experience in the design and execution of a substantive research project in the field of orthopaedic, biomechanics, motion analysis and/or rehabilitation technology and its underlying science. This degree is unique in its structure, content and high level of relevant clinical research in association with IMAR. It is a full time face-to-face course.

There are six main reasons why we think this course is better than any other course offered by other institutions:

1. Best lecturing faculty drawn from specialists across the entire UK,
2. Best research experience in clinical and biomechanics in association with IMAR, one of the leading facilities in biomechanics and motion analysis worldwide,
3. Associated clinical attachment with a consultant orthopaedic surgeon for the duration of the course with no need for GMC registration,
4. Our MCH Orth philosophy is to recruit ambitious orthopaedic surgeons with career aspirations that encompass leadership, academic excellence, and the highest level of skills and expertise,
5. Our successful graduates value education and recognise the need for professional reflection lifelong learning to deepen their understanding , and to enhance their ability and develop a sound professional judgement, and
6. The Dundee MCh Orth Course is accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

• Master/Diploma in Orthopaedic Science accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England: this MSc will provide a robust and wide-reaching education in the fundamental physical sciences relating to orthopaedic surgery. It is the only programme amongst the few comparable MSc programmes in the UK with a specific focus on the theoretical and practical application of technology within orthopaedics. Additionally, it equips trainees with the knowledge of fundamental science required for the FRCS exit exam. Only orthopaedic trainees or consultants can apply to undertake this course, face-to-face or by distance learning.
• Master/Diploma in Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Technology (ORT): this MSc is intended to provide students with an understanding and knowledge of the technological aspects of orthopaedics and rehabilitation. University graduates with a relevant discipline (e.g. doctors, engineers, physiotherapists, nurses, podiatrists, etc…) could apply to this course and it can be undertaken face-to-face or by distance learning. This course has been on offer since 1994 and it is unique in its structure, content and the in-depth information and advanced technology that covers.
• Master/Diploma in Motion Analysis: this is the only master degree worldwide in clinical gait analysis and motion analysis. Anyone with a good university degree (as with ORT) could apply to this course and it can be undertaken face-to-face or by distance learning.
• MSc in Sports and Biomechanical Medicine: this MSc is designed to follow on from the undergraduate programmes in medicine, engineering, science, podiatry, sports science, biology, clinical health professions and as such uses these subjects as a reference point. Graduates from the programme will be able to use their skills and knowledge to successfully increase their level of integration of sport and exercise medicine within their respective professions and disciplines at an advanced practitioner level. This degree is unique in its structure and content and its association with IMAR.
• Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours in Applied Orthopaedic Technology: this undergraduate degree is aimed for medical students who have completed three years of their medical curriculum and wish to take a year out to further expand their knowledge in Orthopaedic and related technology that is not covered in their medical MBChB or MBBS degree. This programme aims to provide the students with an early understanding of the principles involved in the development and application of orthopaedic technology and orthopaedic biomechanics. It is the only one in UK.
• MSc, MD and PhD by research in any area of orthopaedics, biomechanics and/or motion analysis.

What is the yearly intake in these course and from which countries? Does the institute offer funding options, scholarships for these programmes?

The yearly intake is between 50 and 75 students on all courses – worldwide. There are no scholarships; all students are self-funded irrespective if they are UK/EU or overseas.

In terms of accreditation, are any of these courses accredited and by whom?

All courses are accredited by the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework and monitored by the University of Dundee Senate. In addition, the Master of Orthopaedic Surgery (MCh Orth) Course and the Master/ Diploma in Orthopaedic Science are further accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

What is the value addition of these courses to the attendees in terms of future career prospects, setting up or expanding their own practice?

The feedback that we receive from many graduates highlight the importance of our degrees and the knowledge gained in shaping their careers and expanding their own practice in UK and in their own home countries.

One of the best examples is to look at Dr Parag Sancheti of Sancheti Orthopaedic Institute in India and his career progress since he completed his MCh Orth degree with us in 2003. In his testimonial on our website, he recommends this course for “enhancing all-round development in orthopaedics and also for sharpening research and academic communication skills with special emphasis on producing a well written and structured dissertation for peer review publication.”

Another graduate, Dr Rajesh Garg who completed his MCh Orth in 2007 and is a Consultant Orthopaedic Joint Replacement Surgeon, at the Centre for Joint Replacement Surgeries in India indicated that though it took him two years to gain admission onto the MCh (Orth) course due to the huge volume of applicants, “it was worth the wait as the course offered continuous academic lectures (something lacking during his postgraduate training) by an incredible faculty.”

viveka.r@expressindia.com