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What do you mean I cannot have surgery: my knee is killing me

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Project Overview

Osteoarthritis is a very common problem affecting older adults. The fastest growing segment of the population is the group > age 85. Degenerative joint disease involving the weight bearing joints including the knees is very common. Medications, steroid injections and injection of hyaluronic acid can reduce pain temporarily. A significant number of these patients under total knee replacement. Unfortunately, not all elderly patients are good surgical candidates. Persistent severe pain often leads to the elder becoming more sedentary and ultimately affects their quality of life.

We are aiming to design a novel knee brace that unloads the knee using shock absorber type technology as seen in objects such as mountain bikes, this could relieve the weight bearing related pain associated with walking in these elderly patients.

The brace will be durable, inexpensive, lightweight, easy to put on and take off and allow for significantly less direct force applied to the knee.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Jared Muench, Matt McMillan, Jenny Leestma, Phil Michaelson, Doug Streeten
Team members from left to right: Jared Muench, Matt McMillan, Jenny Leestma, Phil Michaelson, Doug Streeten

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Jennifer Leestma - Team Leader
  • Jared Muench - Communicator
  • Matthew Mcmillan - BSAC
  • Douglas Streeten - BWIG
  • Phillip Michaelson - BPAG

Advisor and Client

  • Dr. Joseph Towles - Advisor
  • Dr. Philip Bain - Client

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