Matthew Teeter

teeter

Scientist



Why I Became a Scientist

Growing up, I was always interested in the world around me and especially in how the human body functioned in health and in disease. This led me to study biomedical science as an undergraduate student, and I also started working in the labs of researchers across many health disciplines. While taking a course in human anatomy, I became particularly interested in the function of the musculoskeletal system, and through a research project was exposed to medical imaging. Coming to Western University for my graduate training was a perfect linkage between these two. Now I am fortunate to work as an independent scientist in close collaboration with orthopaedic surgeon colleagues to apply imaging in evaluating and developing devices for treating musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis.

Research Summary

Arthritis is a chronic disorder that causes severe long-term pain and disability for 1 in 5 Canadians. Significant scientific effort continues on finding ways to delay, prevent and reverse arthritis. Currently the most reliable treatment for advanced arthritis of the knee and hip is replacement of the joint with an artificial implant, resulting in more than 130,000 of these surgeries annually in Canada. The goal for my research is to enhance patient mobility and quality of life after joint replacement through the development and application of imaging and digital technologies.

Research Questions

How does implant wear lead to premature device failure?

Artificial joints have a finite lifespan, with younger patients potentially requiring multiple revision surgeries in their lifetime as the implants wear out or loosen. The generation of metal and plastic wear particles can also cause a substantial immune response, causing tissue damage and pain. My lab is using medical imaging to assess implant failure and tissue inflammation in patients, and uses a variety of techniques to measure damage on devices explanted from patients.

Can new implant and surgical technology enhance patient outcomes?

Novel device designs, implant materials, and surgical assistance technologies like robotics are constantly being introduced to the healthcare system. Unfortunately, not all new technologies meaningfully impact patient outcomes, and some may even be detrimental. My lab uses medical imaging and other digital technologies like wearable sensors to measure patient outcomes in local and multi-centre clinical trials evaluating implants and surgical techniques.

Education

  • Ph.D. Medical Biophysics, Western University (2012)
  • B.Sc. (Hon) Biomedical Science, University of Guelph (2008)

Training

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, London Health Sciences Centre (2014)

Awards

  • CIHR New Investigator Award (2016-2021)
  • Ontario Early Researcher Award (2016-2021)
  • John Charles Polanyi Prize for Physiology/Medicine (2015)
  • Mark Coventry Award for Best Science Paper (The Knee Society) (2012)
  • Charles S. Neer Award for Clinical Science (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) (2022)
  • PetroCanada Young Innovator Award (2020)
  • Early Career Researcher Award (Arthritis Alliance of Canada) (2018)

Publications

View all PubMed publications

Contact Info

Matthew Teeter, PhD
Scientist, Robarts Research Institute
Western University
London, Ontario
N6A 5B7
Phone: 519-931-5777 ext. 24404
Email: mteeter@robarts.ca