Mission
The RIH Orthopaedic Foundation (RIHOF) was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1998. Its overarching mission was to provide educational and research opportunities for the interns, residents, and fellows participating in the Brown University Orthopedic Residency Program. In the early 2000s, RIHOF added an A2LA ISO 17025 mechanical testing laboratory accreditation (Cert. # 2278.01) and expanded its mission to support the greater orthopedic community. Uniquely positioned between the academic and industrial sectors, RIHOF fosters collaboration between researchers, physicians, and medical device manufacturers to discover innovative solutions to the industry’s greatest challenges.
RIHOF’s Pillars of Success
Integrated Bioskills and Mechanical Testing Labs
RIHOF’s integrated bioskills and mechanical testing lab setup is highly unique in the field of orthopedic research and device testing. Most other research and testing facilities fall into one of two categories: a bioskills facility without adequate testing capabilities or a mechanical testing facility that is not equipped to utilize cadaveric tissue. At RIHOF, our surgical necropsy tables and mechanical load frames are located in connected, adjacent rooms. With this setup, RIHOF provides the perfect environment for conducting state-of-the-art biomechanical research.
Innovative and Customized Test Protocols
RIHOF’s ability to develop innovative and customized test protocols makes it the ideal facility for those on the cutting-edge. If a manufacturer is developing a novel device, or a researcher is investigating an experimental treatment option, there may not be a specific ASTM/ISO standard or validated protocol which can be implemented. In these situations, RIHOF draws on its years of testing experience to develop testing protocols that are technically sound, clinically relevant, and perfectly tailored to the unique needs of the project.
Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Approach
RIHOF’s strong ties to both the academic and industrial sectors of the orthopedic space allows it to foster collaboration in a highly effective, yet uniquely organic way. By bringing together medical professionals, orthopedic researchers, and medical device manufactures, RIHOF encourages the multidisciplinary approach needed to provide innovative solutions to the industry’s most critical issues. Whether there is a device startup in need of a medical expert’s opinion or a researcher looking to partner with an established manufacturer, RIHOF can facilitate the connection and coordinate joint project efforts for optimal results.