Musculoskeletal Biomechanics

Introduction

The human musculoskeletal system is a complex, yet extremely durable mechanism. The defining features of a well-functioning machine are equally relevant for our own bodies: adequate strength to carry loads without failure, mobility through an elegant arrangement of functional joints and sufficient lubrication to ensure a long life of these joints.

Our research in the area of Musculoskeletal Biomechanics is focused on the evaluation of musculoskeletal pathologies, injuries and treatments through the use of computer simulations and laboratory experiments at the scale of the whole body down to the organ level. A central theme is the definition of healthy and abnormal posture and motion of the musculoskeletal system. The dynamic, three-dimensional kinematics of the spine and the peripheral joints are evaluated in a non-invasive fashion using video fluoroscopy coupled to advanced image analysis and registration methods.

Measured motions and external loads are passed to sophisticated multi-body computer simulations of the whole musculoskeletal system to determine the loads acting locally on the natural joints, to guide also the development of new implants for arthroplasty. The local mechanical response of articulating and non-articulating joints, such as the hip or intervertebral disc, respectively, is studied with both high fidelity finite element computer simulations and novel laboratory experiments.

These studies are aimed at e.g. the prediction of local bone response around implants, the evaluation of the performance of new biomaterials for tissue repair, or the improvement of our basic understanding of joint lubrication mechanisms. Our research activities also form the translation bridge to clinical practice, with many practice-oriented questions addressed through close collaboration with the Schulthess Klinik.

Projects

Enlarged view: Anatomical Shoulder Prosthesis
Anatomical Shoulder Prosthesis

Anatomical shoulder prosthesis

In the last decades, Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) has proven itself as a successful surgical procedure to re-establish stability and movement for a diseased or damaged shoulder joint.

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Enlarged view: Cartilage Topography
Cartilage Topography

Cartilage topography and lubrication

The main focus of this project is on joint tribology from both a mechanical and biological perspective.

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Enlarged view: Comparing discomfort and risk of low back pain or injury during load carriage
Comparing discomfort and risk of low back pain or injury during load carriage

Comparing discomfort and risk of low back pain or injury during load carriage

Concerning load carriage in the fields of outdoor activities, infantry and school children, discomfort and risk of low back pain or injury are key issues.

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Enlarged view: Next generation Hip replacement
Next generation Hip replacement

Next generation hip replacements

In the context of the European FP7 project "LifeLongJoints", our research focuses on providing simulation tools for a better understanding of the requirements for next generation hip replacements incorporating novel surface coatings.

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Enlarged view: Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia

Implications of age-related muscle loss for spinal posture and fracture risk

An osteoporotic vertebral fracture is estimated to occur every 22 seconds worldwide.

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