A team of researchers at the Garvan Institute have discovered a new type of bone cell, which could result in new approaches for the treatment of osteoporosis and other skeletal diseases.

The new cells, which have been termed ‘osteomorphs’ are found in the blood and bone marrow, and have the potential to deliver new therapeutic targets for skeletal diseases.

World Sepsis Day is happening on September 13th, and is celebrating its 10th anniversary of this event. This cause is of great importance to Dr Atkinson, who is currently the RACS surgical lead for the National Sepsis Alliance. The aim of World Sepsis Day is to promote awareness of sepsis, and the key signs and symptoms to be aware of.

A/Prof Claudia Di Bella was recently interviewed for the Orthopod, a podcast held by the University of Melbourne’s Student Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Association, or SOMA.

In the podcast, hosted by medical student Liam Canavan, A/Prof Di Bella discusses her background as a former professional water polo player, and reflects on how the team work skills developed from this sport have shaped her experiences as a surgeon,

In Australia, tobacco smoking is the number one risk factor which contributes to disease burden and deaths. [1] Tobacco smoking causes degeneration of intervertebral discs [2] and lumbar disc herniation, lower back pain and sciatica. [3]

Patients undergoing fusion surgery who are smokers, are more likely to experience a non-union or failure and experience complications around the time of surgery,

In Australia, approximately two thirds of adults are overweight or obese.[1] If you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25.0, you are considered to be overweight, and if your BMI is greater than 30.0, you are considered to be obese. [2] Patients who are overweight or obese are much more likely to develop surgical infections than those who are at a healthy weight.  

Surgical infections are a rare occurrence in Australia, but there are certain factors that can make patients more at risk. Patients who have diabetes, and uncontrolled diabetes, are more likely to develop a surgical site infection than those without diabetes, or those with controlled diabetes.[1]

The HbA1c blood test measures how much glucose is present in your blood,

Osteoporosis affects over 1 million male and female Australians with women over 75 being most affected.[1] Osteoporosis is where bone density and strength decreases due to mineral loss (calcium salts). Painful fractures can occur with the minor stresses of daily activities.[2]

We all should take action and reduce the risk of osteoporosis through regular exercise.

For many, the idea of surgery can be a daunting one, and it is perfectly normal to have concerns about your operation and your recovery. 

There have been studies conducted, which have demonstrated that engaging in preoperative rehabilitation, can improve postoperative recovery and outcomes. Individuals with better physical fitness will experience better postoperative outcomes. 

There is no doubt that the current coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on Australia’s healthcare and hospital system, as well as affecting our economic sector and influencing our day-to-day life and activities. However, a lesser-known consequence of covid-19, which has become apparent in recent months, is that of the fall in patients seeking medical care for their other health needs.  

A recent study has revealed that respiratory specialists and lung cancer experts have experienced a 50% decrease in referrals from GPs during the covid-19 pandemic.1 Additionally,

As coronavirus restrictions are easing, and we are returning to ‘normal life’, it is important that we remember to keep important medical appointments, and move back into the community safely. You can book an appointment with Dr Atkinson if you have put it off due to coronavirus. Keep reading to find out how we are working to keep our patients safe during these times.