Extending the reach of research

22 July 2010

Corin has developed a worldwide network of research associations with leading companies, universities and research institutes. Working within this network, as well as with healthcare authorities, allows Corin to develop novel solutions to the most clinically relevant problems in an efficient and responsive manner.

Building on a successful history of running both major and minor projects, funded both internally and from public bodies, Corin is currently involved in a wide range of collaborations across the globe – from R&D projects with leading research institutions to providing support for university PhDs. Such work into new products and technologies is a major area of investment for Corin, ensuring that the company stays at the forefront of innovation.

Current projects receiving public funding:

• IL-Knee
  IL-Knee is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and will be undertaken in conjunction with Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine. The project will prove the technical and commercial viability of a novel knee design to better replicate natural knee kinematics and address concerns over poor patient outcomes. 
• Project SHIELD
  This is a high value manufacturing project funded by the Technology Transfer Board (TSB). Corin is the lead partner in a recently awarded project grant that will investigate novel techniques of osteointegration allowing improved implant fixation and bone stress distributions over the lifetime of the implant. Developments within this project will increase the longevity of prostheses therefore meeting the patient demand for use in younger and generally more active patients.
• CERAS Hip
  Ceras Hip is funded by the NIHR and will be undertaken in conjunction with TWI. This project will address recently highlighted concerns regarding the release of metal wear debris from metal-on-metal implants through the development of novel materials.
• Direct Laser Fabrication
  A project in conjunction with the University of Birmingham and funded by Advantage West Midlands, developing novel manufacturing techniques to improve material function.
• SMART-HIP
  Corin is a project partner in this Department for Business, Innovations and Skills (BIS)-funded project that aims to commercially exploit a novel material technology that will significantly improve hip replacement for the next generation. The aim of the project is to increase implant longevity and to design hip joint replacement implants that last the lifetime of younger, more active patients.

Current PhDs supported by Corin:

• Novel ceramic/metal functionally graded composites for hip resurfacing, University of Bristol
  In this project, novel functionally graded composite (FGC) materials are being developed for use in implant prostheses. The FGC materials consist of ceramic and metal phases that interpenetrate one another and are independently continuous in three dimensions. A novel combination of two processes (unidirectional freeze casting and electrophoretic deposition) is being used to achieve these graded structures with tailored lamellae spacing.
• Influence of coatings on ion release from large diameter metal-on-metal hip bearings, Queen Mary, University of London
  The wear and metal ion release of chromium nitride (CrN) coated metal-on-metal devices is being investigated and wear debris contained within the articular fluid characterised. This project is also investigating the use of antimicrobial releasing CrN coatings.

For further information on some of our current technologies, click here.