Total hip replacement (THR) is a successful operation but the number of devices requiring revision is continuing to rise. Up to 40% of patients report persistent pain after their surgery, and a cause is soft tissue impinging (specifically the iliopsoas tendon) against the replaced joint which can occur in around 5% of cases. Effective treatment is usually further surgery, consisting of release or resection of the iliopsoas tendon, alone or in combination with re-positioning the hip replacement cup to reduce the impingement. Some evidence suggests that there is a link between cup size and position, an individual patient’s bony anatomy and posture, and symptomatic psoas impingement. The aims of this study are to determine how an acetabular component can be positioned to avoid psoas impingement, given the anatomy and posture of an individual. This project is co-funded by a major implant manufacturer, and will address an issue of relevance to both clinicians and industry to ensure the outcomes of hip replacement surgery for all patients are optimal. Additionally, the project will be co-supervised by an orthopaedic surgeon to provide a clinical perspective. The project will involve characterising the relationship between bony and soft tissue anatomy (using cadaveric and imaging facilities in our laboratories) relating to psoas impingement and posture in a range of subjects, then developing a new computational model to define the wrapping path of the psoas tendon for use in predicting impingement. There will be opportunities to compare characterisation and modelling with an existing clinical data set of patients with symptomatic psoas impingement after hip replacement. The project outcomes will provide evidence for surgical recommendations on component selection and position for different patients to avoid psoas impingement. The successful candidate should have experience in engineering and computing methods, including image analysis and finite element methods, and be interested in applying these techniques to a clinical problem. You will need to be competent at programming, preferably with experience of Matlab. During the project, you may have to handle and image human cadaveric tissue specimens. Full training will be provided on all laboratory methods and the associated health and safety requirements. There will be opportunities to be involved in wider activities organised by the institute, including public and patient engagement events, and bespoke training for careers in the medtech sector. You will be encouraged to participate in activities with our industry partner, including secondments, and to present at international conferences.
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