The Orthopaedic Research Laboratories (ORL) is an affiliated, translational engineering arm of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. ORL is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through providing bench-top performance data and design optimization for orthopaedic implant systems. Capabilities include mechanical and computational analyses supported by four decades of experience in solving complex problems related to the musculoskeletal system. ORL is a recognized innovator of testing standards and methods with an extensive track record of providing information necessary for successful regulatory approvals, product quality confirmation, marketing materials, and surgeon education. Specific details of ongoing research activities can be found at www.orl-inc.com. .
ORL's capabilities include practical expertise in test design and fixturing supported by an extensive mechanical testing facility, including five MTS load frames, an Instron, and twenty-two multi-station/multi-directional wear simulators. In addition, physical property determination equipment, as well as microscopic, photographic, and x-ray capabilities are in-house. A low-temperature freezer for cadaveric specimens supports an extensive hard and soft tissue dissection facility.
Computationally, ORL excels at developing sophisticated, three-dimensional models of orthopaedic implants that render realistic polymer component stresses and soft tissue interactions. State-of-the-art kinematic and finite element modeling software, including MARC, ADAMS, and LifeMOD™ KneeSIM™ and NeckSIM™ are utilized to analyze component performance. Additionally, an in-house multimedia production suite supports creation of compelling presentations that effectively communicate simulation results.
ORL also maintains a comprehensive orthopaedic and engineering library with several thousand titles and over 30 journal subscriptions. The value of this knowledge base is further enhanced by unique archives of company product information, device test reports, and ORL publications dating back 35 years.
ORL encourages the onsite involvement of students, residents, fellows and staff members of the Cleveland Clinic in projects related to the laboratory's expertise. Highly trained and experience engineers facilitate these activities.
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