APRICOT Approach
The development of APRICOT will address the major challenges associated with osteoarthritis of the small joints:
- To achieve minimal invasive treatment without need for bone removal or ligament sacrifice
- To restore the original kinematics of the joint
- To reduce the long-term use of pain medication which can cause complications such as liver and renal failure
- To decrease post-op healthcare costs and potential mental health issues resulting from feelings of isolation and withdrawal from society
- To ultimately enable patients to return to work and contribute to their community
APRICOT Objectives
Project Structure
Our research will encompass technological innovation in design, testing, materials science, surface functionalisation and manufacturing. These technologies are interlinked and dependent on each other throughout the project.
Explore our Work Packages in detail by clicking the respective WP
Work Package 1: Establish Requirements
Aim: to establish the most appropriate small joint on which to focus the initial development and create the corresponding mechanical, geometric, biological and regulatory implant design requirements.
Work Package 2: Implant Design, Modelling and Simulation
Aim: to establish the device design, virtually implant and test the device and establish associated test protocols.
Work Package 3: Anchoring, Implantation and Revision
Aim: to develop an implantation strategy, to design and test an anchoring system of the implant to the bone and specialised surgical instruments to support the implantation process.
Work Package 4: Surface Functionalisation / Fluid Spacers
Aim: to develop different macromolecular lubricants and coatings to reduce friction and wear within the device.
Work Package 5: Manufacturing Process Establishment and Automation
Aim: Manufacturing Process Establishment and Automation.
Work Package 6: Sub-Component and Full Implant Testing and Test Protocol Development
Aim: to establish the manufacturing process for the implant that will include anchoring and surface functionalisation.
Work Package 7: Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation
Aim: to create targeted outreach activities, to disseminate project results to the scientific community, manage efficiently IP generated by the project consortium and assess exploitation paths.
Work Package 8: Project Management and Coordination
Aim: to provide overall project management with respect to administrative, legal, ethical, financial and technical issues.