About my work

I work within the Centre for Orthopaedic Biomechanics at the University of Bath. Orthopaedic biomechanics is essentially the study of the mechanics of the human body. My PhD is concerned with the understanding of a particular surgical technique, impaction grafting. Impaction grafting is a technique used to stabilise artificial joints, most commonly artificial hip joints, by impacting bone material in the region surrounding the new implant.

The photo below shows an x-ray of a total hip replacement. Today, the procedure is very common with around 70,000 being performed in the UK every year.

Below is the experimental test rig that I have been using to conduct tests on bone graft material. I compress samples of bone graft inside the chamber. By looking the response of the material, I can determine its mechanical properties.

I am also trying to create a computer model. The model shown below represents the hip-joint following impaction grafting. The different colours indicate different materials. I will use the material properties I have determined from my experimental tests in my computer model.

I work within the Centre for Orthopaedic Biomechanics at the University of Bath. Orthopaedic biomechanics is essentially the study of the mechanics of the human body. My PhD is concerned with the understanding of a particular surgical technique, impaction grafting. Impaction grafting is a technique used to stabilise artificial joints, most commonly artificial hip joints, by impacting bone material in the region surrounding the new implant.