Accelerating the Design of Patient-Specific Fracture Fixation

The design and advanced manufacturing of patient-specific biomedical implants is set to revolutionise healthcare. However, the costly design framework which is currently required to create personalised 3D digital models is a huge barrier to implementation in most clinical settings. This exciting PhD project will draw together expertise in design, reconstruction, additive manufacturing and musculoskeletal modelling [1-4]. This research will be based in the Biomedical Engineering Group (Thomas-Seale and Ding) at the University of Birmingham in close collaboration with University of Melbourne (Dr Dale Robinson and Prof. Peter Lee) and University Hospitals Birmingham (Mr Tarek Boutefnouchet, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon).

The aim for this PhD is to create a novel design framework, utilising low cost and accessible diagnostic techniques, to streamline the recreation of geometrically and biomechanically accurate orthopaedic patient-specific 3D models, to inform the design and manufacturing of personalised fracture fixation. The purpose of the PhD is to accelerate the clinical uptake of patient-specific fracture fixation, by lowering the time, cost and complexity of the design framework. During this research project, the clinical focus will be on the design of fracture fixation for High Tibial Osteotomy. The project will require the applicant to be confident in laboratory skills and/or computational skills, ideally both.

Person Specification

Essential:

• A first-class degree in a relevant discipline (Engineering (Mechanical or Chemical), Material Sciences, Physics, Applied Mathematics)

• To have met the University of Birmingham English Language requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band) by the point of application.

Desirable:

• Good knowledge of engineering, design, mechanics and materials

• Experience in performing experimental work, collecting data and analysing research findings

• Experience in performing computational work (e.g. ABAQUS)

• Experience in CAD software packages (e.g. Fusion 360)

How to apply

Eligible applicants should first send an expression of interest to Dr Lauren Thomas-Seale (L.E.J.Thomas-Seale@bham.ac.uk), including the following:

• 200 words cover letter on how your experience, qualifications and research interest aligns with this position

• CV including your academic and work experience with the names of two referees.

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The Thomas-Seale group is founded on the principle of inclusivity in research, should applicants have any enquiries about how to conduct a PhD with reasonable adjustments for a protected characteristic, they are encouraged to contact the Dr Thomas-Seale.

Funding notes:

Applicants are required to send an expression of interest (as detailed above) to Dr Lauren Thomas-Seale (L.E.J.Thomas-Seale@bham.ac.uk). Short-listed applicants, will be invited to an interview with the supervision team. After the interview, the successful candidate will be invited to apply through the University of Birmingham website (https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS013.htm).

School of Engineering funding is available, through a competitive application. This funding will cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for 3.5 years. Self-funded students are also welcome to apply.

References:

[1] Kanagalingam et al. (2022) Progress in Additive Manufacturing, 8(11)

[2] Robinson et al. (2023) Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 18:360

[3] Huang et al. (2022) Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology, 21:249–259

[4] Ding et al. (2016) Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 138(2):021018