Pain-Free Mobility for Life
We envision a world without arthritis and preventable bone and joint injuries.
Our mission is to achieve this vision through excellence in research and education.
The McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health is home to researchers and clinicians whose work ranges from basic science at the molecular level to whole joint transplants in the operating room, in addition to effective and efficient health service delivery. The Institute currently has 109 faculty members (rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons and researchers), 85 trainees (graduate students, post doctoral fellows), 50 laboratory personnel (research associates, lab technicians, nurses and LPNs), and 64 office staff (administrative assistants) from 5 different faculties at the University of Calgary and 5 partner institutions (University of Alberta, Oxford University, University of Lethbridge, University of Michigan, and the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine). Your interest in who we are and what we do is greatly appreciated.
What’s New
A “shot” to the knees
From Utoday News, Feb. 22, 2010
Kristen Barton researched a
protein that lubricates joints.
Photo: Don McSwiney
Imagine if you could fix arthritic knees with a shot of “knee WD-40.” It may sound far-fetched, but it’s an idea that’s gaining strength among scientists looking for treatments for the painful condition. It’s also an idea that kinesiology undergraduate student and women’s Dinos soccer goalie Kristen Barton finds very appealing.
“Definitely very appealing,” she says with a laugh, “I blew the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in my knee and had both meniscuses repaired, so I think it’s really just a matter of time before I get osteoarthritis myself.”
Barton has just successfully completed her second Undergraduate Student Research Project (USRP), split between the labs of Dr. Cy Frank and Dr. Tannin Schmidt. The project examines the properties of a protein called proteoglycan 4 (PRG4), manufactured by the PRG4 gene. Scientists believe that this protein, also called lubricin, lubricates our big joints and stops them from grinding—which is essentially what happens in osteoarthritis.
“Studies have shown that people who injure their knees and have them surgically repaired have lower levels of PRG4 after the surgery,” says Barton. “So the long term goal of this research is to find some kind of therapeutic intervention where lubricin could actually be somehow injected into the joint and delay the onset of arthritis.” more…
Jeff McCaig Carries the Olympic Torch
Our own Jeff McCaig showed his olympic spirit by running with the torch on January 19th at 7:30am. See the rest of the photos by clicking the link below…
High Performance Problem Solvers
Photo:David Moss
Dr. Carolyn Anglin developed a computer-assisted surgery system with the goal of reducing pain after knee replacement surgery. To read more please click on the link below and view pdf pages 32-35…
A Great Return on Investment.
By Laurie Wang, UCalgary Medicine Magazine, Fall, 2009
Dr. Shrive and Dr. Frank with
the Spider Limb Positioner
The founders of TENET Medical Engineering are not only making it easier for orthopedic surgeons to perform procedures, they’re ensuring future Faculty of Medicine researchers have the tools to succeed. It’s strong, it’s powerful and it’s used to save limbs. The Spider Limb Positioner is a popular tool commonly used by orthopedic surgeons to provide optimal positioning for limbs during surgical procedures. more…
Young McCaig Researcher receives Award from the Canadian Arthritis Network .
November, 2009
Tannin Schmidt is a researcher in the Faculty of Kinesiology and the Schulich School of Engineering. As a member of the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Dr. Schmidt investigates the lubrication in our joints and how it affects the health of articular cartilage. The title of his proposal for which he was granted this award is: “Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) characterization and supplementation in human post-knee injury synovial fluid: Implications for restoration of impaired cartilage lubricating ability and osteoarthritis biotherapeutics”.
Dr. Schmidt is one of four researchers in Canada who was recently honoured with a Canadian Arthritis Network Scholar Award. He will receive $60,000/year in salary support for 3 years and Dr. John Matyas will act as Dr. Schmidt’s mentor during this time. more…
Upcoming Events
The 13th Annual Glen Edwards Day
Hot Topics in Upper Extremity Orthopaedics and Sport Medicine
Presented by the University of Calgary and the McCaig Institute
Date: Friday, May 28th, 2010
Time: 07:45 - 16:30
Place: Four Points Sheraton 8220 Bowridge Cres. NW, Calgary, AB
view poster here…
The McCaig Institute holds a weekly seminar series in HRIC every Wednesday at noon. All graduate students and post-docs are required to give an annual talk on their own research project. Seminars will also include special guest speakers from outside the McCaig Institute and the University of Calgary communities. The calendar will be posted soon.
