Phantom Hip: Experimental and computational models to assess femoroacetabular impingement in the hip

Summary

Differently shaped “phantom” femoral heads will be manufactured, assessed computationally and experimentally to better understand femoroacetabular impingement damage mechanisms.

Motivation
Hip pain in younger people can be caused by the onset of soft tissue damage due to particular bone shapes which can generate local impingement and/or high stresses in joint. An example of this is “femoroacetabular impingement” where additional bone on the front of the femoral head rubs against the rim of the acetabular socket in flexion.

Our previous works has demonstrated that increased loading will cause increased damage [ref], and also that damage is related to the femoral head shape [ref]. Increasingly, surgical interventions are used in patients with an excess of bone to remove the bone. Better understanding of the mechanism of this damage would enable us to recommend make improved recommendations about the extent of bone removal.

Project aims
This project aims to establish evidence for the mechanism of soft tissue damage (labrum and cartilage) in the hip, through identifying different factors that effect this. Specific objectives may include:
• Manufacture of “phantom” femoral heads of the hip that can be manipulated in terms of their shape and used in experimental testing
• Experimental testing of differently shaped “phantom” hips in a hip simulator that mimics a patients movement and can be used to understand the effects of different shapes.
• Computational modelling with a parameterised and automated approach to identify the effects of different shapes on the cartilage and labral stress, to better understand cartilage mechanics.

Environment
The project will include a clinical (orthopaedic surgeon) co-supervisor, as well as academic supervisors in Leeds with expertise in experimental and computational hip biomechanics. During your PhD we will provide full training on laboratory and computational methods required, to enable you to further develop these independently and develop novel methodologies. You will also learn about project management, scientific writing for different audiences and presentations skills. There will be opportunities to present your work internally, to collaborators and at national and international conferences.

The Institute of Medical & Biological Engineering

You will join the multi-disciplinary, dynamic Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (IMBE) embedded within the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds. The IMBE is a world-renowned medical engineering research centre which specialises in research and translation of medical technologies that promote ’50 active years after 50’.

As a PhD student within IMBE, there will be opportunities to contribute to wider activities related to medical technologies including public and patient engagement, group training and social events. Groups of researchers working on aligned projects or using similar methods meet regularly to share ideas and best practice, and we encourage collegiate working. We will support your long-term career ambitions through bespoke training and encourage external secondments, laboratory visits or participation at international conferences.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.