Ongoing research at the University could transform knee implants and the lives of patients who are fitted with replacement joints. More than 34,000 knee procedures were carried out in England and Wales in 2014. Knees are difficult joints to replicate with implants because of the range of movements required, and the potential instability of any replacement. Scientists from Southampton are working alongside other universities and technology company Invibio on a new polymeric material called poly ether ether ketone, also known as PEEK, that could solve many existing issues. Southampton’s part of the project involves examining how to best attach the implant to the bone, and verifying how well the material can cope with the harsh loading environment it will experience in the body.
