Optimal Choice Of Skin Mounted Marker Locations On The Tibia Effectively Reduces The Effect Of Soft Tissue Artifact.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$56,677.00
Summary
Gait analysis is a technique used to get information about the way people walk. The information is obtained by measuring the position of markers attached to the skin over bony landmarks. These areas of skin are known to move in relation to the landmarks when people walk. This can limit the accuracy of three dimensional analysis of walking. Innovative techniques to overcome this problem will be identified, increasing accuracy of measurement and clinical decision making.
Fractures, in particular femoral neck (FN) fractures, are a huge public health problem resulting in disabilities, mortality and financial cost to the community. The prevention of these fractures is based on estimation of bone strength. The decision whether someone needs treatment, or the effectiveness of a treatment can only be judged by estimating bone strength. The bottom line is that currently we cannot correctly estimate bone strength. Present methods such as bone mineral density (BMD) perfo ....Fractures, in particular femoral neck (FN) fractures, are a huge public health problem resulting in disabilities, mortality and financial cost to the community. The prevention of these fractures is based on estimation of bone strength. The decision whether someone needs treatment, or the effectiveness of a treatment can only be judged by estimating bone strength. The bottom line is that currently we cannot correctly estimate bone strength. Present methods such as bone mineral density (BMD) perform poorly. Most people who fracture are not detected by BMD because their BMD is either normal or high, and many people with low BMD never fracture. The main aim of this grant application is to develop new tools to allow doctors and scientists worldwide to better estimate FN strength. To develop new methods to replace BMD, scientists need to make use of the 3D aspects of the bone such as size, shape and internal architecture. Presently, these 3D aspects (structure) have not been adequately studied and scientists incorrectly approximate them. As a result new methods are not any better. A good quantification of structure is needed. Another reason for the failure to accurately estimate the strength of bones is that estimates are based on a single parameter whereas the bone, like any architectural structure (e.g. building), comprises many components acting together to maintain its strength. To determine the strength based on density alone is incorrect; the size, the shape and things inside the structure need to be considered as a whole. After quantifying correctly the structure and components of bone strength, we will determine how they can be used individually and together to better estimate the strength of the FN in men and women. Tools generated will be used to better determine people likely to fracture and needing treatment; to better tailor and monitor treatments. A better understanding of the causes and epidemiology of fractures will ensue.Read moreRead less
The Neuromuscular And Biomechanical Gait Risk Factors For Progression Of Hip Ostoearthritis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,367.00
Summary
Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in older adults and it is often associated with pain, stiffness and functional limitations particularly in walking. There is no cure for hip OA and the end result is often a total hip replacement. Knowledge of neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristics of hip OA during walking and any relationships to disease progression will provide a better understanding of risk factors for progression of hip OA. This knowledge may guide future hip OA manageme ....Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in older adults and it is often associated with pain, stiffness and functional limitations particularly in walking. There is no cure for hip OA and the end result is often a total hip replacement. Knowledge of neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristics of hip OA during walking and any relationships to disease progression will provide a better understanding of risk factors for progression of hip OA. This knowledge may guide future hip OA management plans to slow the progression of the disease.Read moreRead less
Identifying Strategies To Reduce The Risk Of Kneecap Arthritis After Serious Knee Ligament Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Early-onset kneecap arthritis, and associated pain and disability, affects younger adults at an alarming rate after serious knee ligament injury – “young people, old knees”. This research aims to identify modifiable risk factors for early-onset kneecap arthritis (reconstruction surgery, knee biomechanics and functional deficits) which will aid the development of interventions to minimise onset and progression of kneecap arthritis, and reduce the burden of this important public health problem.
I am a clinical biomechanical engineer investigating the causes of locomotor dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy and the effects of surgical and neurological interventions for these.
Improving The Functional Outcomes Of Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
While orthopaedic surgery usually achieves pain relief and improves function somewhat, it can often leave a patient unable to perform certain activities. And these abnormal movement patterns are likely to cause further problems. This project will objectively measure post-surgical function, in order to improve the surgery and rehabilitation of some of the most complex orthopaedic conditions. The goal is that patients receive the maximum benefit from surgery.
Effects Of Pin Biomechanics, Coating Material And Surface Roughness On The Pin-bone Interface In External Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,000.00
Summary
Some fractures require external fixation, anchored with metal pins in the bone fragments. The reatment is generally successful, although the pin tracts often loosen and become infected. This complication may jeopardise fracture healing and must be treated. The purpose of this project is to determine what aspects of pin design predispose to these problems at the pin-bone interface. Is it the way the pins are initially inserted, perhaps not tightly enough so that the pin is unstable, or perhaps to ....Some fractures require external fixation, anchored with metal pins in the bone fragments. The reatment is generally successful, although the pin tracts often loosen and become infected. This complication may jeopardise fracture healing and must be treated. The purpose of this project is to determine what aspects of pin design predispose to these problems at the pin-bone interface. Is it the way the pins are initially inserted, perhaps not tightly enough so that the pin is unstable, or perhaps too tight, causing microcracks in the bone? Is it the material of the pin, which might be improved with a bioactive coating? Is it the surface roughness which causes different responses of bone cells? Would it help to have an antibiotic pin? This proposal is designed to answer these questions. The biomechanics of the pin will first be studied with computer models and then tested in the laboratory. The loosening and infection associated with different types of pin will then be studied biologically. The results of the study will clarify the roles of pin biomechanics, coating and surface roughness, leading to improvements in design and better outcomes in fracture patients.Read moreRead less
Prof. Herbert conducts clinical research into the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions. A focus of this research is study of the effectiveness of stretch-based interventions for prevention and treatment of contracture. His clinical research is backed by a program of laboratory research investigating the mechanical properties of human muscles.