EPSRC PhD Studentship: Development of Materials and Joining Technologies for Rapid Bone Fracture Healing

Half of an orthopaedic surgeon's time is spent managing fractures. A number of treatments are available e.g. external casts and internal fixation with wire, screws, plates and nails. Stabilising fractures is important for the wellbeing and function of the patient. These cases require bone fixation using plates & screws. Further operations may be needed for removal of plates, screws and nails. The proposed study aims to explore the feasibility of developing new fracture fixation methods for joining a variety of different short and long bones. In spite of considerable research in developing bone healing agents there still is a need to develop products that are end-user friendly and have widespread applications in fracture healing.

The proposed work will investigate the feasibility of modifying or developing new bone fracture fixation materials/systems for joining and repair of fractured short and long bones. One of the challenges will be to maintain alignment of bone fragments using clinically acceptable alternative materials and devices. Several potential fixation methods will be developed and tested for their ability to join bones together and to initiate and accelerate bone repair in clinical procedures.

This is an area of major unmet clinical need. It is expected to establish proof of concept many healthcare companies already involved in developing biomaterials, implants and bone fracture fixation devices.

Academic supervisor: Professor Pankaj Vadgama, Queen Mary, University of London
Clinical supervisor: Professor Simon Donell, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Norwich University Hospital & University of East Anglia
Co-supervisor: Dr Giles Watts, University of East Anglia
Industry supervisor: Professor Mehdi Tavakoli, TWI Ltd.

Contact Details:
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Professor Pankaj Vadgama, Tel: 020 7882 5151
E-mail: [Email Address Removed]

Application Method:
To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Biomedical Materials programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) please follow the instructions detailed in section 3 of the following webpage: http://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/research/howtoapply/

During the online application process you will be asked to provide details of any funding you are applying for, please be sure to include a reference to '2012 EPSRC ICA SEMS PV' to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

For application enquiries please email the School's Research Administrator, Mr Jonathon Hills on [Email Address Removed]