The primary aim of the study is to establish the inter-relationship of initial cartilage quality, subchondral bone stiffness and loading scenarios (due to different physiological activies which result in loads with varying magnitudes, frequencies and strain rates) by using computational models to optimise osteoarthritis treatment.
Outline: The research will be conducted by using data from mechanical testing and imaging of testing clinical samples in conjunction with available physiological loading data. Novel computational simulations using the finite element method will be employed. A range of cartilage properties will be considered; variation of properties from normal to cartilage weakened by infection or inflammation will be considered. Similarly the material properties of the subchondral bone will be varied to represent subchondral sclerosis. The findings of this project will enable the interplay of bone and cartilage properties and loading to be considered in different patients. This will indicate the leading mechanism of joint failure in different patients, which will allow us to personalize the treatment inline with the principles of precision medicine
Project supervisors: Professor Pankaj Pankaj and Professor Hamish Simpson, The University of Edinburgh
Project description: https://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/precision-medicine/project-opportunities/21-22-projects/novel-computational-modelling-for-personalised-tre
To apply: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&id=919
Application deadline: 7 January 2021
Applicants are encouraged to contact Prof Pankaj Pankaj (pankaj@ed.ac.uk) with their CV prior to applying.
