Smith & Nephew partners with Imperial College to develop knee surgery techniques

In order to develop better surgical techniques for soft tissue injuries of the knee, including injuries to the meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament, Smith & Nephew has inked a three-year partnership with Imperial College London.

Specifically, the devicemaker is joining forces with the university’s department of mechanical engineering on biomechanical research, with an initial focus on extra-articular ligaments and the meniscus.

Andy Weyman, M.D., Smith & Nephew chief medical officer said, "Meniscus repair is one of the greatest challenges of sports medicine. By combining the clinical expertise of Imperial College with our pioneering approach to new product development we expect to be able both to advance surgical techniques and accelerate the development of next generation products."

Smith & Nephew is fueling the partnership with a $1 million grant.

Andy Williams, lead surgical researcher at Imperial College London and Fortius Clinic said, "The partnership with Smith & Nephew is priceless for our work. It allows a strategic attack on the unanswered biomechanical issues in knee surgery. Knowing funding is secure for three years allows a step by step 'due diligence' approach to investigating these issues rather than sporadic studies. This is the best way to translate from the lab to patient care."