Research
The field of Orthopaedics has seen a tremendous departure from its past. More emphasis is being placed on understanding issues at the cellular/genetic level. The practice of Orthopaedics is beginning to place more emphasis on the growing elderly population. The field is also moving towards true integration in terms of clinical, life sciences and engineering which requires an integrated educational curriculum embedded in a supportive research environment. Interaction between engineers, physicians, and other health care professionals must be coupled with those of life scientists and individuals from the industrial sector to provide an environment in which "cross" and side-by-side training is the norm.
From a research perspective, and
ultimately for the benefit of the patients, it is essential to understand the
causes of spinal disorders, and spinal degeneration. There is a need to devise
ways to reduce the incidence and prevalence of back disorders, especially in
the work place (involving prolonged sitting, chronic vibration exposure, heavy
lifting, etc.). To improve the outcome of a surgical procedure, one must try to
understand the mechanics of spine surgery and undertake relevant studies to assess
the outcome of various procedures/therapies.
A proper investigation of such a
broad spectrum of issues requires an interdisciplinary team of
investigators. The E-CORE will further nurture the
interdisciplinary collaborations in a formal manner. Researchers in the Center
will come from diverse fields such as engineering (bioengineering, mechanical,
industrial), orthopedics, neuro-surgery, preventive medicine, radiology,
alternative therapy programs like chiropractors, physical therapists, hospitals
from outside the University of Toledo and industry.
Dr. Vijay Goel with his graduate students - 2008
A few research projects
worthy of funding from agencies like NIH, industry, or private foundations are
identified in consultation with the collaborators. Some of the areas are as
follows:
(A)
ORTHOPAEDIC
BIOMECHANICS
The FDA has recently down-classified spinal fixation devices from Class I to Class II. The result of this will be that a large number of small companies will enter the clinical arena. However, as these companies develop new devices, they will need a well-established laboratory for the testing and evaluation, both to meet the FDA requirements and generate scientific data that will help promote the product. This is especially so in a highly competitive market. Based on the past work of the Director, the E-CORE hopes to attract a number of companies to Toledo. These collaborations will enable the Center to provide industry-based research projects for students, residents and fellows. The hands-on experience will also assist the Center trainees to secure appropriate jobs upon graduation. Funding for this work will primarily come from industry.
Research Areas
SPINE - Basic, Clinical and Applied:
Spinal Implant Design and Development
Anterior plates
Posterior Instrumentation
Vertebral Body Replacement Devices
Lumbar and Cervical Cages
LOWER EXTREMITIES - Hip and Knee
Hip, Knee and Ankle Joints
Development of better knee prosthetics
Diagnosis of knee injuries
Evaluation of surgical procedures
Gait analysis
UPPER EXTREMITIES - Wrist Mechanics
Wrist mechanics as a function of various surgical procedures
(B) TISSUE ENGINEERING, CELLULAR & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Research Areas
SPINE
Development of artificial Intervertebral Discs
Primary Cell Isolation of Nucleus Pulposus Cells
Development of Biodegradable Scaffolding Materials
Molecular assays (i.e RT-PCR) for protein production
Biomimetic Strategies for Bone Tissue Engineering
(C) MICROSENSORS IN ORTHOPAEDICS
Research Areas:
Smart Sensor for an Artificial Disc
(D) REHABILITATIVE ENGINEERING & ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
A collaboration between the Engineering College, the Medical School and St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center will allow the development of custom made devices for persons with disabilities. These custom devices will impact the quality of life and independence of disable persons as well as reduce health care costs by improving their health and wellness by minimizing complications of their disabilities. Education of engineering and medical students will also be impacted as well as that of physical medicine and rehabilitation residents.
Research Areas:
Wheelchair garage entry lift
Bicycle-type wheel chair attachment
Basketball hoop for the blind
Manual Racing wheelchair
Foldable commode shower chair
(E) TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Research Areas
Motion Preservation System
Golf Exercise Machine
(F) CLINICAL OUTCOME ASSESSMENT
(G) EDUCATION & TRAINING OF STUDENTS, RESIDENTS & FELLOWS
E-CORE will fulfill its educational mission of training the clinicians, students and other personnel in allied health fields through various departments on the campus. Students, residents and fellows will help with the research projects described above and in turn will earn the master/doctoral degrees or complete their research projects (residents and fellows). Undergraduate students also will get valuable experiences while working on basic and industry sponsored projects. E-CORE staff will provide basic biomechanics lectures to the orthopaedic residents/fellows and will also be engaged in delivering seminars to high school students and other constituencies, both on and off campus. Finally E-CORE will host conferences and invite seminar speakers of import on a regular basis.
(A) FDA Type Bench Testing for Orthopaedic Manufacturers:
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Biaxial MTS |
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Optotrack System |
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ELF 3200 Micro Tester |
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Gait Assesment Equipment |
(B)
Dr. Goel's group is among the pioneers who started utilizing Finite element methods to study spine biomechanics. Finite element modeling of lumbar and cervical spines have been used by his group for over a decade now to solve various clinically relevant issues.
A mathematical representation of the human spine, finite element model is used to predict kinematics of the spine with reasonable accuracy. With the growing scarcity of the human cadaver spines in recent years, the finite element modeling is gaining popularity among researchers. Our lab has expertise and resources to carry out finite element modeling and analysis of the spine implanted with a wide range of implants such as screws, rods, artificial disc and dynamic systems etc.
Use the buttons below to view a sample of the Finite Element Modeling of the Cervical or Lumbar portions of the spine.
(C) In vitro Cadaver Spine Testing
In vitro testing of spinal implants is a major step for biomechanical evaluation of the implants before animal studies and clinical trials on the devices could be undertaken. This step is performed to analyze the behavior of the implant in the human body like environment. The spines are potted at the base and an increasing moment is applied at top level to simulate the physiological loading such as extension, flexion, lateral bending and axial rotation. Spinal implants are placed in the cadaver spine using proper surgical techniques before the spine is loaded. An Optrotrak system is used to track the motion of each vertebra under increasing moment to record the kinematic behavior of the spine
In Vitro Testing of Spinal Implants
(C)
(D) In vivo Animal Studies
(E) Clinical Studies