Biomedical Engineering Grows Stronger With Noyes Lab

Recognizing the importance of his longstanding commitment to orthopaedic excellence and the significance of his contributions to orthopaedic research, the University of Cincinnati has honored internationally-renowned knee surgeon Dr. Frank R. Noyes by establishing the Noyes Tissue Engineering and Biomechanics Laboratory. Dedication of this state-of the-art facility took place on Nov. 5.

"Dr. Noyes' long-standing commitment to helping people with knee problems and his gift of time and talent over the past 25 years represents his continued commitment to orthopaedic research," said Dr. William Ball, Biomedical Engineering Department Head. "His support will allow us to open even greater avenues for collaborative orthopaedic research in the future to continue to find ways to improve the quality of life for people around the world."

As an internationally-respected orthopaedic surgeon, Noyes' research efforts have contributed to many exciting scientific breakthroughs in the treatment of complex knee problems, particularly in the areas of ligament, bone and soft tissue injuries. Current research showing promise is in the area of tissue engineering.

"What is really exciting is that tissue engineering is leading us down a path that could impact our ability to treat patients with many orthopaedic problems, especially crippling arthritis," said Noyes. "At the Noyes Tissue Engineering and Biomechanics Laboratory, we are energizing cells which are put into the body to generate new cells to make parts that can restore function to the knee joint. For example, a salamander has cells that have the ability to regenerate parts of his body. In the lab we are making great progress with cells from the knee meniscus, or shock absorber for the knee. As our work continues to advance, it could impact the more than a half million patients each year whose knees are damaged by meniscus problems."

In 2001, the University of Cincinnati was the first public university in Ohio to create a Biomedical Engineering Department. The department brings under one umbrella all the expertise and the diverse research and educational projects in biomedical research that have been active throughout the university for 25 years.

The Noyes Tissue Engineering and Biomechanics Laboratory is a key element of the program. Undergraduate and graduate students participate in collaborative research with Noyes and other orthopaedic surgeons at the Cincinnati Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Center. The new laboratory and the department provide a catalyst for research and development of new orthopaedic treatments and products.

In addition to his research and development efforts at UC, Noyes promotes clinical research efforts, as well as formal educational and training of medical health professionals through collaborative efforts through the Cincinnati Sportsmedicine Research Foundation, which Noyes established in 1985. A major effort of the foundation is to conduct clinical outcomes research to provide data on the results of a variety of operative and rehabilitative treatments for knee injuries and problems.

Noyes is also involved in research that centers on the female athlete and the prevention of serious knee ligament injuries in sports. His studies led to the development of Sportsmetrics, the only scientifically proven training program that decreases the incidence of serious knee ligament injuries in young female athletes. The foundation conducts training classes for a variety of local high school and club teams, and also conducts certification classes to formally instruct others on how to properly implement the program in their community. To date, 94 sites across the United States, Austria, Canada, Brazil and Wales are certified to conduct Sportsmetrics training.