Over 130 years ago, the first hip replacement was performed in Germany. Ivory was used as the implant material. In the last 100 years, implant materials have advanced and technology now assists surgeons in the operating room and patients as they recover at home. None of these advances would be possible without clinical research.
Clinical research benefits doctors, healthcare providers, and manufacturers of healthcare products, but ultimately, patients receive the greatest benefit from the work. Clinical research is vital for understanding the safety and effectiveness of procedures and treatments. It includes all research that involves people and helps evaluate the effect of treatment on outcomes.
Those leading in clinical research, like the Oklahoma Joint Reconstruction Research Institute (OJR2I), are studying new ways of doing surgery, new medical devices, and new ways to use existing treatments to provide patients with better care and greater outcomes.
We want to improve outcomes in surgery by providing resources for advancing orthopedic knowledge, information, and materials. Focusing on joint reconstruction, OJR2I is working to develop new methods, techniques, and devices for orthopedic care. We want to leverage the experience of the surgical and manufacturing community to enhance the health and quality of life for patients.
Through clinical research, we gain insight regarding the safety and effectiveness of procedures and treatments. The work is a benefit to the entire healthcare community and most of all the patients. Advances in joint replacement whether past, present, or future are a result of clinical research.
Dr. Paul Jacob is a leading hip and knee surgeon in Oklahoma City who pioneered robotic joint replacement surgery in an outpatient setting. Dr. Jacob has performed over 5000 robotic joint replacement procedures and actively participates in numerous research studies on robotic outcomes.
