Mr Matthew Gardiner

Joint distraction for treatment of base of thumb osteoarthritis (2017-18)

​

Thumb base osteoarthritis is the most common cause of hand pain and loss of function. Patients and surgeons have selected it as a key priority for research. Scientific evidence suggests that reducing forces through the joint might reduce pain and improve function. The HAILO 2 study aims to develop a new technology that ‘off loads’ the joint. The first part of the study will explore patient attitudes to the device and design a prototype for testing in a small group of volunteers. Ultimately, it may reduce the need for surgery and be more cost effective.

Mr Fadi George Issa

Detecting dangerous skin cancer early (2017-18)

​

Skin cancer is the commonest type of cancer in the UK, with approximately 80,000 new patients diagnosed annually. The majority are treated easily, however some types such as squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), can spread and be life threatening. Recently, advanced blood tests have been developed to help identify patients with SCCs that might spread. However, the tests have not been evaluated in the ‘real world’. This study will run these tests on groups of patients with SCC to ensure test accuracy. The aim is to be able to identify patients before the cancer has spread and provide early treatment

Ms Victoria Giblin

Wound healing – a sweet solution (2017-18)

​

Wounds from burns and trauma, seen in all age groups, body areas, all over the world, often struggle to heal. Delayed healing, with countless unpleasant dressing changes, leads to worse, tighter scarring associated with disability, risks of recurrent infection and diminished quality of life for 1000s worldwide. Where healthy blood supply can be generated in the wound bed all these factors improve. Certain sugars appear to encourage blood vessel formation, are resistant to destruction by bacteria and can be incorporated into simple dressings currently used in these wound types, leading to better, faster wound healing.

Mr Chris Lewis

Combined laser for burn scar treatment (2020-21)

​

After a burn, some peoples’ scars become raised and lumpy; this affects up to two-thirds of patients. These scars are red and firm and can affect a patient’s physical and psychological quality of life, causing itch, dryness, pain and problems with joint movement. Laser is relatively new for the treatment of burn scars. This study will combine two lasers used to treat scars to see whether they work better together, improve scar appearance and joint movement, and reduce the need for surgery. This study is unique, as we will assess what patients think of their scars after treatment.

Mr William Breakey

Surgical outcomes improved by tracking eye movements (2020-21)

​

Human interactions begin with unconscious evaluation of the visual characteristics of one another, we immediately assess familiarity and attractiveness; and make near-instantaneous evaluations of any facial deformity. In the UK 1 in 700 children are born with a disfiguring cleft lip and (or) palate. Most will require at least one surgical procedure, the first being a cleft lip repair. Success here is exceptionally important, as following the aforementioned initial evaluation, emotional responses and behaviour towards that person are then modified. We will develop; (through eye tracking) an unbiased assessment tool used to perfect surgical technique, train surgeons of the future and ultimately improve patient outcomes.