Effect of Post-traumatic OA on the morphological and biomechanical properties of the mouse knee joint

Musculoskeletal diseases have a huge impact in our ageing society, affecting dramatically the disability of patients suffering from them. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent and disabling chronic degenerative diseases with an incident that is predicted to increase dramatically in the next 10 years (7-fold increase).

OA is associated to degeneration of the different tissues of the joint and different theories assume an early degeneration of the cartilage or of the bone. In order to better understanding the pathophysiology of OA, mouse models of post-traumatic OA (PTOA) have been developed. In this project the student will process and analyse data that have been already collected from a mouse model of PTOA.

The mouse knee joints have been already scanned at high resolution with in vivo micro-computed tomography (microCT) to track the changes due to the disease. The candidate will perform detailed image processing and biomechanical analyses of the collected images in order to evaluate the effect of the disease on the bone morphological and densitometric properties and on the mechanical properties of the joint by using finite element simulations.

Entry Requirements:

Candidates must have a first or upper second-class honours degree or significant research experience. In addition, candidates must be self-motivated, have the ability to think independently, use own initiative, have good communications skills and be well-organised including good time management. Experience in biomechanics and/or image processing would be desirable but not essential.

Enquiries:

Interested candidates should in the first instance contact Dr Enrico Dall’Ara (e.dallara@sheffield.ac.uk)

How to apply:

Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form available here: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply

Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select Oncology and Metabolism as the department.

Proposed start date: 1 October 2023