Drexel University - Comprehensive, integrated academics enhanced by co-operative education, technology, and research opportunities. | Drexel University
Drexel University
Search events. View events.

All Categories

Click for help in using calendar displays. Print the contents of the current screen.
Display Format: 
Event Details
Notify me if this event changes.Add this event to my personal calendar.
Go Back
Failure Modality and Contact Mechanics of Soft Arthroplasty Materials for Knee Cartilage Replacement
Start Date: 2/4/2016Start Time: 12:00 PM
End Date: 2/4/2016End Time: 2:00 PM

Event Description
BIOMED PhD Research Proposal

Title: Failure Modality and Contact Mechanics of Soft Arthroplasty Materials for Knee Cartilage Replacement

Speaker: Mariya Tohfafarosh, PhD candidate, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems

Advisor: Steven Kurtz, Research Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems

Abstract:
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder, which causes cartilage degradation and wear as a result of old age or traumatic injury. Due to the avascular nature of articular cartilage and its limited ability to self-repair, end stage osteoarthritis is commonly treated by total joint arthroplasty. The currently used arthroplasty materials, such as metal and polymer, have known failure mechanism in the body, and total joint replacements are not the most viable option for elderly patients as well as young athletes. Hence, the purpose of this proposal is to thoroughly investigate the use of soft arthroplasty material for cartilage-only replacement, especially for the knee joint.

One such alternative bio-compliant material is hydrogels, which have been studied for cell scaffolding and resurfacing applications because of their ability to be delivered arthroscopically, and potentially prolong a total joint replacement. The first aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of sterilization on the mechanical, chemical and wear properties of a novel hydrogel after subjecting it to gamma and ebeam radiation. The results indicated successful gamma sterilization of this hydrogel without affecting its mechanical, chemical or tribological behavior. This conclusion provided motivation for the second aim, which is to determine the failure modality of the proposed hydrogel and another known soft material, polycarbonate urethane, under different physiological loading conditions experienced at the knee joint, such as tension, compression, shear, creep and fatigue. Furthermore, in order to use a new line of materials for knee cartilage replacement, it is essential to understand how it affects the contact mechanics of a knee, which is one of the most complex joint in the body. The survival of such material is mainly dependent on the implant design factors such as conformity, thickness, material strength and loading conditions. Therefore, the third aim of this proposal is to develop a parametric finite element model of the medial compartment of the knee. This model will determine the most crucial parameter for a successful use of soft material in knee arthroplasty.

The overall aim of this thesis is to thoroughly investigate an alternative line of arthroplasty materials, which has shown potential for use in cartilage replacement due to their biocompatibility and lower (cartilage-like) mechanical strength. The use of such materials for knee resurfacing will be ideal for both young and old patients, since it can potentially provide a quick recovery, improve mobility and allow them to maintain an active life.
Contact Information:
Name: Ken Barbee
Phone: 215-895-1335
Email: barbee@drexel.edu
Mariya Tohfafarosh
Location:
Bossone Research Enterprise Center, Room 705, located at 32nd and Market Streets.
Audience:
  • Undergraduate Students
  • Graduate Students
  • Faculty
  • Staff

  • Display Month:

    Advanced Search (New Search)
    Date Range:
    Time Range:
    Category(s):
    Audience: 

    Special Features: 

    Keyword(s):
    Submit
    Select item(s) to Search



    Select item(s) to Search
    Select item(s) to Search
    Select item(s) to Search