Bone Pathologies and TreatmentOpen OpportunitiesFollowing accidents or due to ageing it can be necessary to replace an intervertebral disc with an implant, a so-called Total Disc Replacement (TDR). Such devices enable motion though a bearing. While this treatment is clinically successful, there is still room for improvement in terms of complication and reoperation rates. Therefore, we are optimizing the design of such an implant to address these issues.
While many different designs are used in clinical practice, there is no consensus on which design is most beneficial. However, it is hypothesized, that replicating the situation that is present in healthy humans as closely as possible, is optimal. Therefore, this master’s thesis project aims at optimizing the implants bearing to replicate the healthy loads in the spine (in the facet joints, ligaments and possibly in the IVDs of the adjacent levels).
This is done using parametric design optimization in the optimization software LS-OPT based on finite element simulations and a surrogate model. Multiple load cases are considered.
This project builds upon previous work on the optimization of the bearing and the bone-implant interface. - Engineering and Technology
- Master Thesis
| Background:
The Laboratory of Orthopedic Technology has recently developed a novel joint implant and is undergoing optimization of the manufacturing process. We are looking for a master's student who is passionate about medical devices and mechanical design to join us for a semester project.
Objectives:
• Design different molds for material casting using SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
• Optimize implant using matlab or Python.
• Utilize 3D printing or laser cutting to create the molds.
• Conduct mechanical tests on the implants.
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:
Starting ASAP until the end of September.
- CAD/CAM Systems, Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Polymers
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Semester Project
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