Arthritis sufferers set to benefit from research by Glasgow scientists
PEOPLE suffering from the crippling condition of rheumatoid arthritis are set to benefit from cutting edge work being carried out by scientists at Glasgow's University of Strathclyde.
A team led by Dr Alexander Nicol, in the bioengineering unit, are looking at the complications and problems that arise in patients who have undergone knuckle joint replacements, with the ultimate aim of modifying and improving surgical techniques.
The team's work was highlighted by leading medical research charity the Arthritis Research Campaign - which is funding the £95,728 grant over three years - during its Research Week (June 7-13).
The awareness week focused on the enormous success of joint replacement surgery over the past few years, the development of ever-better surgical techniques, and the resulting benefits for thousands of arthritis sufferers. It also aimed to restore public confidence in joint replacement, following public concern earlier this year over the failure of one type of hip joint.
"More than 90% of rheumatoid arthritis patients have involvement in their hands, and the pain, inflammation and deformity combine to form an almost completely disabled hand, making them unable to work, and eventually dependent on others for daily survival," explained Dr Nicol.
"Current techniques in knuckle joint replacement are very successful in terms of pain relief but it is well recognised that the functional ability of the hand is relatively poor."
Other complications which occur a couple of years after surgery is deformity of the hand, as the fingers deviate to one side, making closing the hand difficult, and significantly reducing grip strength.
In a bid to understand why this happens, the project is now recruiting patients who will wear a simple glove fitted with special angle measurement devices which will allow the motion of the knuckle joints to be recorded during everyday domestic activities. The recorder, which is about the size of a cigarette packet, will be fitted to some patients in their homes, producing information about the range of motions they carry out.
Patients will also be studied lifting kettles and manipulating objects at the Biomechanics Laboratory where their fingers will be measured and monitored using modified video cameras. Their fingers will also be scanned in a MRI scanner, so that the precise position of ligaments and tendons can be evaluated.
"All this information will be tied together in a mathematical analysis which will hopefully lead to the recognition of what is responsible for the deviation of the fingers,"added Dr Nicol.
