Bone healing using cell therapy

This research was completed on 6 August 2004

Project Leader	Dr G R Dickson PhD, MSc, MIBiol, CBiol, FIBMS, Professor D R Marsh MD, FRCS, Dr G Li and Miss C J Geddis MRCS.
Location	Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast, and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Queen's University of Belfast, Musgrave Park Hospital in conjunction with the Fracture Clinic, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.
Grant awarded	7 March 2002
Start date	7 August 2002
End date	6 August 2004
Grant amount	£93,924.00
Grant code	AP0930

The healing of a broken bone is one of the most remarkable repair processes in the body since it results, not in a scar, but in the reformation of tissue similar to its original form. However, bone fractures fail to unite properly after more than 5 months of immobilisation in 5-10% of patients, causing much suffering and even disability. Some patients will heal with further immobilisation but others will require additional surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. These researchers are working on a novel technique to help repair problem fractures. Bone forming cells, taken from the patient’s pelvis can be grown then injected into the site of the non-union to form bone. The aim is to further develop this technique because it is safer and easier than current treatments involving general anaesthetic and surgery. Partly funded by the Drapers' Company.