PhD Studentship Imaging and modelling of the interference fit in cementless joint replacement



Ref: EngSci-BIO-111

Research group: Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment

Deadline: Applications will be accepted at any time until the position is filled. 

Cementless fixation relies on achieving good primary stability in order for bone ingrowth to occur.  As well as the shape of the component, the degree of interference between the bone and the implant is key in determining the primary stability.  However, during an operation, the true level of interference can be highly variable due to the bone quality, the instrumentation, or even the surgical technique.

Various finite element studies have attempted model interference at the bone-implant interface.  These studies have reported that relatively small interferences, of the order of 100-150 microns are all that are necessary to achieve primary stability and that higher interferences lead to substantial yielding of the supporting bone.    This leads to two observations: (i) Current FE models are unable to capture the true nature of the interference and (ii) insertion of the device does not simply elastically/plastically the bone, but probably also continues to rasp the cavity.

The aim of this study is to perform a comprehensive investigation of interference fit in cementless fixation, using a combined experimental and computational approach.  To ensure the computational model is representative, well verified experimental results are necessary. To this end, the project will use state of the art full field strain measurements from micro computed tomography scans to provide a holistic description of the strain generated throughout the bone during and after implantation of idealised cementless devices (femoral hip stems and tibial trays). A corresponding finite element model of the experimental model will be developed explore what factors influence the interference fit.

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Note this scholarship will only cover the fees and studentship of UK/EU applicants.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Martin Browne, Bioengineering research group, Email: doctor@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 593279.

To apply, please click the Apply button below.

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