Research

Mechanics of bone and bone-implant systems

Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most disabling and costly health conditions. Given the aging population, health care costs are expected to double in just a few years time. With our research we aim to better understand the mechanics of bone, orthopaedic implants, and their interaction, with the ultimate aim to evaluate and improve the diagnosis of bone and joint diseases and their treatment. For these purposes we are using state-of-the-art imaging techniques, in combination with computer simulations and experimental testing. Given the intricate structure and composition of bone and joints, this work requires the integration of structural and material properties from different length scales, from the skeleton, through bones and bone tissue to the cell. 

Key words: bone mechanical properties, bone adaptation, bone modeling and remodeling, orthopaedic implants, implant fixation, hierarchical imaging, finite element analysis, bone mechanical loading, computed tomography, CT, CBCT, micro-CT, human, rat, mouse.