Wessex AHSN Accelerator Fund project wins at IET Innovation Awards

An innovative virtual hip simulator backed by Wessex AHSN won the Information Technology category at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Awards. The ceremony, which was held in London on 16 November, provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the very best new innovations across the breadth of science, engineering and technology. Entries were received from 25 countries, with each one demonstrating the potential to make dramatic improvements to modern society.

66,000 hip replacements are performed in the UK annually. This novel computer-based innovation simulates hip replacement and resurfacing procedures, and is being developed as a training tool for both clinical trainees and for surgeons refreshing their skills. The simulator is coupled with a physical hip joint which includes electronic sensors and wirelessly connects to a PC, providing anatomically correct palpable tissues. The simulator includes 3D graphics and virtual models of the hip, ball and socket joint, surrounding ligaments and cartilage. 

The simulator has the potential to improve 20% of surgeries which dislocate and would safely reduce the need to provide second hip replacements caused by alignment errors. Surgical accuracy and skill are improved, helping the NHS to reduce training costs and free up consultancy time.

The virtual hip simulator has been developed by orthopaedic experts at Bournemouth University and Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; notably, post-doctoral researcher Dr Neil Vaughan, and Professor Venketesh Dubey, Professor of Medical Robotics and Associate Editor of the Journal of Medical Devices. The project has been supported by the AHSN through its Accelerator Fund. It featured in 2015/16 and reaches its first stage development at the end of 2016, when further development will take place following input from clinicians. 

We extend our congratulations to the Bournemouth University team for winning this accolade in the face of such strong national competition.