Shoulder repair: Experimental assessment of surgical rotator cuff repair

Summary

Repair of the rotator cuff in the shoulder will be experimentally assessed to better understand the biomechanics of the intervention and improve the outcomes of surgical interventions.

Motivation
The rotator cuff is the muscle and tendon complex supporting the shoulder joint, this can become torn and damaged, leading to difficulties in completing daily activities as well as pain. By 50 years old, 10% of the population will have symptomatic rotator cuff tears. The management of rotator cuff tears is challenging in terms of surgical repair and the development of new treatments have been limited by a lack of appropriate functional pre-clinical testing.

Our previous work has developed a natural shoulder simulator that allows a cadaveric shoulder to be assessed in terms of the mechanical function of the rotator cuff. This project seeks to extend this method to assess different repair strategies (for example suture repair, augmentation).

Project aims
This project aims to assess the effects of different surgical repairs on the mechanical function of the rotator cuff in the shoulder using an experimental simulator. Specific objectives may include:

• Assessment of current surgical repair techniques (for example, single row and double row repair) on the biomechanics of the rotator cuff.
• Further development of the experimental simulator methods to allow full assessment of the effects of an augment on repairs.

Environment
The project will include a clinical (orthopaedic surgeon) co-supervisors, as well as academic supervisors in Leeds with different expertise. During your PhD we will provide full training on laboratory methods required, to enable you to further develop these independently. This project will be working with cadaveric human tissue (that has been ethically approved). 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 & Bioogical 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.