Biplanar X-Ray based gait analysis for minimally invasive detection of knee osteoarthritis in mouse models

Gait analysis is widely used in human fundamental and clinical research. Various mouse models are extensively used for human pathologies, including osteoarthritis (OA). However, gait analysis in mice has been limited. Clear changes in joint kinematics and kinetics have been demonstrated in human Hip and Knee OA but we do not know if such changes occur in mice.

STR/ort is a mouse model that spontaneously develops OA, with the majority of individuals showing major structural changes in the knee at approximately 40 weeks of age. Currently, the progress of OA is assessed by histology, which precludes a longitudinal follow-up of individuals, is very labour intensive and invasive.

The fully funded PhD student will develop a tool, based on high-speed biplanar X-Ray videography, to assess OA in STR/ort mice by analysing changes in gait in a longitudinal and minimally invasive way, using unmarked individuals. We hypothesise that kinematic gait changes occur as OA progresses. We also hypothesise that there is a positive correlation between changes in gait and changes in cartilage degradation.

The aims of this study are:
1. To pre-process raw X-Ray video data and analyse the available STR/ort footage in order to determine differences between STR/ort and control mice.
2. To validate the results of the imaging by histological analysis at different stages,
3. To test whether the grading in gait can work on other models of OA.
The primary outcome variables are angular displacements and velocities of the affected joint (knee) as well as the neighbouring joints in the kinematic chain (hip, ankle). Ultimately, we want to understand fundamentally how the mouse adjusts gait as a response to OA, and develop a tool to quantify the longitudinal progress of the disease in a minimally invasive way.
The student will receive core training from the Liverpool Doctoral College as well as the Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease. This training spans all three years of the PGR programme, and includes Inductions (general and safety), E-learning (e.g. Good Research Practice), seminars (presenting as well as attending), outreach opportunities and journal clubs. The programme is flexible, and the student can tailor training to his/her needs to a large extent, including (but not limited to) opportunities detailed on the website of the Liverpool Doctoral College.

The student will have two academic advisors and progress will be monitored by them during yearly meetings. The student will also have recorded meetings with the supervisory team, and will benefit from existing infrastructure to keep track of their activities. The skills the student learns will make them highly employable in the field of biomechanics, medical imaging, and biosciences.

The Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease is fully committed to promoting gender equality in all activities. We offer a supportive working environment with flexible family support for all our staff and students and applications for part-time study are encouraged. The Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.