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Skeletal Repair
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:08:00
Abstract
The course gives an introduction into traumatic and degenerative pathologies of skeletal tissues. Emphasis is put on bone, cartilage and intervertebral disc. Established and new treatments are described, including cell, gene and molecular therapy, biomaterials, tissue engineering and infection prevention. In vitro/in vivo models are explained.
Objective
The objectives of this course are to acquire a basic understanding of (1) important pathologies of skeletal tissues and their consequences for the patient and the public health (2) current surgical approaches for skeletal repair, their advantages and drawbacks (3) recent advances in biological strategies for skeletal repair, such as (stem) cell therapy, gene therapy, biomaterials and tissue engineering (4) pathology, prevention and treatment of implant associated infections (5) in vitro and in vivo models for basic, translational and pre-clinical studies
Content
According to the expected background knowledge, the cellular and extracellular composition and the structure of the skeletal tissues, including bone, cartilage, intervertebral disc, ligament and tendon will briefly be recapitulated. The functions of the healthy tissues and the impact of acute injury (e.g. bone fracture) or progressive degenerative failure (e.g. osteoarthritis) will be demonstrated. Physiological self-repair mechanisms, their limitations, and current (surgical) treatment options will be outlined. Particular emphasis will be put on novel approaches for biological repair or regeneration of critical bone defects, damaged hyaline cartilage of major articulating joints, and degenerative intervertebral disc tissues. These new treatment options include autologous cell therapies, stem cell applications, bioactive factors, gene therapy, biomaterials or biopolymers; while tissue engineering / regenerative medicine is considered as a combination of some of these factors. In vitro bioreactor systems and in vivo animal models will be described for preclinical testing of newly developed materials and techniques. Bacterial infection as a major complication of invasive treatment will be explained, covering also established and new methods for its effective inhibition. Finally, the translation of new therapies for skeletal repair from the laboratory to the clinical application will be illustrated by recent developments.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 45
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Skeletal Repair
additional 2 day block course (practical work) at AO Center, 7270 Davos
April 22-23, 2022
|
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Biomechanics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Molecular Bioengineering track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
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