Ferguson Group / Laboratory for Orthopaedic TechnologyOpen OpportunitiesHip fractures, typically the result of falls from a standing position, pose a significant socio-economic burden globally, particularly as populations continue to age. They lead to prolonged hospital stays and higher mortality rates compared to fractures at other sites, highlighting the need to identify at-risk individuals and implement personalized preventive treatments.
Femoral strength, determined by destructive mechanical testing, has been used to estimate hip fracture risk, where low femoral strength corresponds to high fracture risk. However, since testing is destructive, the same femur cannot be tested under varying loading conditions (e.g. with femur augmentation). To address this limitation, a calibrated, specimen-specific finite element (FE) model can act as a control for experimental hypotheses, enabling predictions of femoral strength. In collaboration with the University of Bologna, we are conducting a paired femur study involving destructive testing to evaluate femoral strength.
We are now looking for a motivated master’s student to build specimen-specific FE models to match the experiments. In this role, you will gain hands-on experience in FE model building (using LS-Dyna and Python) from start to finish, including segmentation of CT scans, material mapping of the femurs, determination of model boundary conditions and model validation based on measured conditions of the experiment and results.
- Biomechanical Engineering, Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, Numerical Analysis, Structural Engineering
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Master Thesis
| In this project we would like to further explore if we can use our established Melt electrowritten tubular scaffolds and combine them with gels toward the application for vascular grafts. Melt electrowritten scaffolds allow us to finely control the wall geometry, which leads to controlled mechanical properties as well as porosity. However there are some limitations with this technology. This is where the addition of gels in the scaffold wall could benefit with porosity control, leackage as well as possible cell growth benefits.
Therefore we would like to investigate which gel would be viable for the application of a vascular graft based on mechanical and biological needs. We would find possible solutions to combine MEW scaffolds with gels and practically try different methods. Once a protocol(s) are established we would perform quantitative and mechanical characterisation and compare it to MEW only scaffolds as well as native tissues. - Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Master Thesis
| Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal, resulting in compression of the nerve roots or cauda equina. Patients with LSS often exhibit altered spinal kinematics and compensatory movement patterns, which can increase paraspinal muscle activity and segmental loads. This study aims to estimate the spinal loads in LSS patients using an advanced full-body musculoskeletal model within the AnyBody Modeling System, incorporating patient-specific motion-capture data. Gaining a deeper understanding of the differences in spinal kinematics between LSS patients and healthy individuals, and their effects on spinal loading, could inform more effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies. - Biomechanical Engineering
- Master Thesis
| While we have performed some basic mechanical tests to characterize Melt electrowritten tubular scaffolds, we would like to add other mechanical tests, based on ASTM standards, that would further allow us to have a better insight into mechanical properties of MEW scaffolds as well as to compare them to other vascular grafts as well as native tissues. Therefore we are searching for a motivated student who can see themself performing practical work producing tubular scaffolds as well as implementing mechanical tests. - Biomedical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Background:
Lower back pain is one of the most prevalent health issues in Switzerland, with severe socio-economic consequences and a leading cause of reduced work performance. Approximately 20% of spinal fusion surgeries performed using off-the-shelf implants result in the surgical outcome being compromised post-operatively, often requiring one or more revision surgeries to address the associated pain.
The Laboratory of Orthopedic Technology has recently developed a novel spinal implant using topology optimization, which is currently undergoing a feasibility study for clinical applications.
We are seeking a master’s student who is passionate about medical devices and mechanical design and testing to join us for a semester project or master thesis. In this role, you will gain insight into the spinal surgery process, receive input from surgeons, and contribute to the mechanical design and testing of the implant.
Objectives:
• Perform the CT scan on animal vertebrae
• Evaluate the influence of implant placement/location variability
• Mechanical testing on the implant
• Develop surgical tools if needed
Your Profile:
• Strong knowledge in mechanical design and drawing skills.
• Hands-on and detail-oriented.
• Experience with SolidWorks or Fusion 360, as well as Python or Matlab.
Timeframe:
Spring semester in 2025
- Orthopaedics
- Master Thesis, Semester Project
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