The Nano-biotechnology Research Laboratory is working to produce super-hard lower-wear surfaces for total hip and knee joints, and other nano-technology applications. Together with the advanced implant simulation and testing facilities, the combination offers the industry a strong haven for developing and testing innovative joint replacement implants. Soon after the laboratory settled into their new home at the Scott Technology Center, they purchased an Ion-Beam-Assisted Deposition (IBAD) machine, which is used to produce nanocrystalline super-hard coatings to protect and reduce the wear of metallic artificial implants. The ion-enhanced process ‘stitches’ ceramic films and coatings to the metallic substrate with better adherence than those produced without ion-enhancement. Reducing wear on the implant would increase the longevity of the implant, therefore minimizing the possibility of revision surgery.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art gait analysis system, the Motion Analysis Laboratory is routinely used by orthopaedic surgeons and biomedical engineers to evaluate walking and other movement patterns in children and for key research projects. Physicians use comprehensive patient kinetic and kinematic gait data to determine the need for medical or surgical interventions. In addition, a series of exciting movement studies are being undertaken to compare cervical and trunk motion before and after a unique surgical intervention for Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD). The results of these studies are statistically significant and have been presented at international spine and gait study meetings.

All three laboratories are supported by growing collaboration with the Institute of Science, Technology and Engineering at the University of Nebraska Omaha, the College of Engineering of the University of Nebraska Lincoln and the Munroe-Meyer Institute. This partnership is fueling exciting new research projects in "smart" electronically instrumented implants, computer-aided surgical planning and navigation, minimally invasive surgical procedures and robotics for orthopaedic surgery.