The Furlong Research Foundation is a Charity and an independent research foundation in the field of Orthopaedic Science. It was founded in 1988 by Orthopaedic Surgeon, Ronald Furlong FRCS, on three fundamental principles:
· Scientific Research
· Clinical Evaluation
· Dissemination of Knowledge
In November 2005, the Foundation became a company limited by guarantee, the governing body being a Board of Directors. (Photos of Directors/Trustees)(Link to Personnel)
Scientific Research
Ronald Furlong‘s belief in the importance of orthopaedic research came about as a result of his own research to produce a biomechanically designed hip prosthesis to be coated with a bioactive agent for long-lasting physiological fixation. The first HAC coated hip replacement prosthesis in the world was implanted by Mr Furlong in September 1985.
The Foundation now supports orthopaedic research into Hydroxyapatite and related subjects by funding research fellows at leading universities and hospitals.
The Foundation is represented on the Boards of both the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Division of Biomedical Engineering, and the Institute of Biomaterials, Division of Biomaterials.
Clinical Evaluation commenced in 1985 and, at a symposium in London in 1995, Mr Furlong presented the histology of a nine-year explant (pictured right). It proved convincingly and conclusively that a Hydroxyapatite Ceramic interface integrates itself with host bone. Clinical evaluation continues today.
Dissemination of Knowledge is achieved through courses, conferences and symposia, the latest of which was held in September 2005 at The Royal College of Surgeons of England. More ...
Our Mission Statements are as follows:
· To fund high quality research in areas related to the musculo-skeletal system
· To investigate the performance of surgical procedures and devices
· To support research and development in novel Biomaterials
· To publish and disseminate research data
· To organise symposia, workshops and courses
· To collaborate with centres of excellence in different research subjects
Dr Henry Houben studied at Louvain University, obtaining a BSc, MB and MD and in 1968 he qualified in General Surgery and Traumatology, MS. Between 1968 and 1971 he worked closely with Mr Furlong at St Thomas' Hospital, London as a Senior Registrar. He then went to Switzerland as assistant to Prof M Muller at Bern University. He qualified as a Consultant in Orthopaedics and Traumatology in 1972 and served in the Belgian Army Medical Services from 1972-74, obtaining the rank of Commander. While in private practice Dr Houben studied Biomechanics with Dr P Macquet and Prof F Pauwels. He then assisted Mr Furlong with HAC surgery throughout Western Europe. Following Mr & Mrs Furlong's deaths he became Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Foundation, guiding it through its transition into The Furlong Research Charitable Foundation, responsible for funding many important orthopaedic research projects. He is an Overseas Fellow of the BOA, Associated Member of BSSH, Member of BVOT and the British Hip Society and an Affiliated Member of AAOS. He is married with three children and among his interests are arts, architecture, paintings and museums.
Mrs H E Houben has a BSc in Pharmacology but, on her marriage and the subsequent arrival of three children, did not pursue her studies. She travelled to London and, together with her husband, worked very closely with both Mr & Mrs Furlong. Her knowledge of orthopaedics and HAC is therefore very extensive and she has been an invaluable aide, not only to her husband but to the work of the Foundation.
Robert Vallings is a Solicitor & has been involved with the Charity for a long time. He acted personally for Mr & Mrs Furlong & guided the Foundation in its transition from Trust to the current Company Limited by Guarantee.
He is a Partner in Radcliffes Le Brasseur, the Westminster Solicitors, having been Managing Partner 1991-1996 & Senior Partner 1998-2004.
A keen sportsman with a particular interest in Rugby Football, he is conscious that in the not too distant future he will need a Furlong knee replacement.
Tony Andrews is former Director of The Royal Automobile Club and Committee Member of the British Tourist Authority. He is now retired and lives with his wife, Joyce, in Somerset. An ex Rugby player with Exeter he enjoys various sporting interests and is a keen golfer and a member of the MCC.
Dame Beryl Grey DBE Hon.DMus(Leicester) DLit(City of London) DEd (CNAA) DLit(Buckingham) DMus(University of London)
Prima Ballerina, Producer, Director: Joined Sadlers Wells Ballet 1941, aged 14; danced full length SWAN LAKE on 15th Birthday; Prima Ballerina of Royal Ballet until 1957, then becoming International Guest Artist. First Western Ballerina to dance in Russia 1957 with the Bolshoi and in China 1964. Director General Arts Educational Schools and Teacher Training College 1966-68; Artistic Director London Festival Ballet 1968-79; Trustee London City Ballet 1978-92; a Director Royal Opera House, Covent Garden 1999-2003; Chairman Royal Ballet Benevolent Fund 1992- (Trustee 1983); Vice Chairman Governors Royal Ballet 1995-2002 (Trustee 1993); Vice Chairman Dance Teachers Benevolent Fund 1984-2004 (Trustee 1981); President English National Ballet 2005- ; Life President Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing 2002 (Council 1960 Chairman 1984-1991 President 1991); Patron numerous medical, design, music and dance related charities and societies and recipient of numerous Awards. Lecturer and Author of books and countless articles.
David Martin is a Director of Kelly's Storage Ltd, Kelly's International Ltd, Hugh Harris Ltd and SGI Holdings, a transport and warehousing group in Zimbabwe. He had a Furlong' H-A.C. total hip replacement performed by Mr Furlong in 1994 and leads a very active life pursuing his hobbies of Eton Fives, Tennis, Golf, Real Tennis, Walking and Shooting.
Brian Jones gained a BA in Spanish and MSc in the Biology of Bone. He has spent almost 30 years working in the commercial side of the healthcare industry mostly in orthopaedics; 11 years of which were in export to South America. He is married with 3 children
Head of Scientific Research
Minoo Esat, PhD (Lond)
Minoo obtained her Masters in Bioengineering from Strathclyde University and wrote her dissertation on 'Kinematics of Gait in above and below Knee Amputees'.
Following that, she joined Professor. Bonfield at Queen Mary College, London, to study for a PhD in'Mechanical Characterisation of Human Cortical Bone', in which she pioneered techniques in characterising anisotropic and viscoelastic properties at physiological loading levels, crack initiation, progression and fatigue fracture in human cortical bone.
She later joined the Institute of Orthopaedics at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, as an academic member of staff, and was actively involved in design of custom implants for revision hip arthroplasty.
Minoo joined the Foundation in December 2004, from the British Standards Institution, where she was an orthopaedic implants technical expert.
She has initiated extensive research programmes with many universities in the UK and Europe and chairs the Research Committee at the Foundation.
For further information please see the Research section.
Administrator
Jan Dixon
Jan has worked for The Foundation since 1997, originally in the capacity of PA to Mr Furlong. She is responsible for patient contact, managing the HAC Implant Club, writing the FRCF Newsletter, liaising with trustees, managing the day-to-day running of the office, and assisting generally in all FRCF activities.
