Biomed Brilliance, Edition 3: The Steps

Welcome to the third edition of Biomed Brilliance! I would like to kick off this edition by expressing my gratitude to all of you. Your incredible support and engagement have been the driving force behind this journey, and it brings me great joy to witness our community of professionals and enthusiasts growing stronger each day. Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, I'm thrilled to have you on this exciting journey. Let's stay connected and continue unraveling the brilliance behind the innovations revolutionising healthcare worldwide. Don't miss out on any updates; be sure to subscribe, and don't forget to invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to Biomed Brilliance too!

Last week, I posted a picture of a pair of old trainers on my page. But why?

Below, you'll find images of two pairs of shoes. The pair on the left is brand new, while the pair on the right has its own story to tell! Those trainers on the right have accompanied their owner through countless walks, supporting them through life's ups and downs. But here's the twist! One of the knees they've been supporting recently underwent total knee arthroplasty. - But which one? Why not take a quick peek at the picture and give it your best guess?

As I examined the photo of the worn shoes (I can't help it, I'm also a visual inspector of 'used medical devices'), the story began to unfold. You could clearly see the telltale signs of which knee had been bearing the brunt of the pain. The sole of the left shoe was excessively worn in one concentrated area, revealing the side that had been carrying the extra weight. The right shoe, though still worn, told a different story. It spoke of a painful knee dragging along, spreading 'wear' across the sole. The sole is also distinctively deformed on both sides (compared with the new pair on the left), most likely due to an abnormal gait.

Note that even with a normal (or optimal) walking gait, shoes will eventually show wear in specific areas. The gait cycle, comprising the stance phase and the swing phase, provides insight into this. The stance phase, which constitutes approximately 62% of the gait cycle, begins with the heel strike of one foot and ends with the toe-off of the same foot, during which the foot bears weight. Consequently, the wear pattern on the back of your shoes, looking directly at the sole, should be concentrated in the middle area near the front and the back.

So, the next time you look at a pair of old shoes, take a moment to consider the stories they might tell about the people they've supported. It's a small but powerful example of how interconnected our everyday objects are with our personal health journeys.

Expert Advice - Ilan Freedman on how to improve your patient’s chances...

In his post linked above, Dr. Freedman offers advice on optimising outcomes after major musculoskeletal surgery, such as an acetabular fracture as illustrated below. Firstly, ensure you're at a good hospital. Having the right surgeon is equally crucial. Early surgery is also essential. Discuss with the surgeon strategies for enhancing the body’s healing capability. Nutrition and supplements play a crucial role in promoting bone and soft tissue healing after major invasive operations and as such may be recommended.

Key nutrients for this purpose include protein for tissue repair, vitamin D and calcium for bone strength, and vitamin C for collagen formation. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, while zinc aids the healing process. Magnesium supports bone health and muscle function, and collagen supplements may aid joint recovery. Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health, and B vitamins are essential for energy production and overall healing. Of course, always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

Do you have any other tips for a quicker recovery? Is “mental resilience” important? What else? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Upcoming Event - The BioMedEng Association & ABHI present BioMedEng in Conversation with Industry!

?? Fri, Jun 14, 2024

?? ZOOM (Online)

This virtual event aims to foster dialogue and cooperation among industry experts. It will feature an online panel discussion focusing on shaping the future of the relationship between industry and academia. Key topics for discussion include:

• What industry would like from the academia and vice versa?
• What are the barriers to industry-academia interactions?
• How BioMedEng & ABHI can facilitate industry-academia interactions?

You can sign up here!

Joint Replacement Reels - Total hip head, taper surface profile

Follow @Shahrzad_Biomed_Eng and subscribe to @ShahrzadShariat for more videos!

Quiz - Post your answers in the comments... ??

1. X-ray devices should be operated by: 
A. Only facility administrators
B. Only trained personnel
C. Only doctors or nurses
D. Only medical technicians        

2. What does the "X" stand for in the word "X-ray"? 
A. X-radiation was used to signify an extra powerful type of radiation.
B. X-radiation was used to signify an unknown type of radiation. 
C. X-radiation was used to signify an extreme type of radiation. 
D. X-radiation was used to signify an exact wavelength type of radiation.?        

3. Which of the following is a goal of biomedical engineering? 
A. Developing new medical devices
B. Conducting medical research
C. Designing healthcare facilities
D. Performing surgical procedures        

4. I used the below image 6 times (as a paragraph separator) throughout this newsletter, but what does this image resemble?        

As we conclude the third edition of Biomed Brilliance, I would like to invite you to take the next steps in our journey together. Subscribe to this newsletter to stay updated on the latest innovations revolutionising healthcare, and don't hesitate to share the brilliance with your LinkedIn connections by inviting them to subscribe too. Let's continue taking these steps together, uncovering the stories behind every worn sole and every breakthrough, as we pave the way for a brighter, healthier future!