Bone Pathologies and TreatmentOpen OpportunitiesFollowing trauma or due to degeneration it can be necessary to replace one or more intervertebral discs with an implant, a so-called Total Disc Replacement (TDR). Such devices enable motion though surfaces articulating against each other. While this treatment is clinically successful, it is connected to considerable complication and reoperation rates. Therefore, we are optimizing the design of such an implant to address these issues.
While many different designs and design types have been proposed and are used in clinical practice, there is no consensus on what design or design type is the most beneficial. However, it is hypothesized, that replicating the situation that is present in healthy (asymptomatic) subjects as closely as possible, is optimal. Since the motions of the cervical spine are coupled (coupling of rotation and translation as well as multiple rotations) the optimal design of the articulating surfaces is not obvious. Therefore, this master’s thesis project aims at designing the implants articulating surfaces using parametric design optimization in LS-OPT based on finite element simulations. - Engineering and Technology
- Master Thesis
| The current gold-standard for the assessment of knee OA is the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading system based on plain radiography. It is WHO standard since 1961 but it does not evaluate cartilage, only the whole joint aspect.
A potential biomarker of early OA is acoustic emissions (AE), particularly for the knee joint where poorly lubricated moving joint surfaces generate abnormal sounds.
Our preliminary data suggests that a combined approach of motion and AE analysis may enable a non-invasive early diagnosis of OA.
We are now running a large cohort study to further explore the potential of AE analysis to diagnose OA at earlier stages. We will develop a reference database in a subpopulation at risk of developing OA which will include AE/motion recordings with InModi and gold standard modalities such as radiographic (MRI / x-rays) and patient-reported outcomes for reference.
Furthermore, in patients who undergo total knee replacements, the tibia plateaus will be collected and microCT scanned to further characterize the possible anatomic features at the origin of acoustic emissions.
We have opportunities for internship and Master projects starting December 2023 until July 2024. - Biomechanics, Orthopaedics
- Internship, Master Thesis
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