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PhD/EngD Studentship: Development of next generation hip implants with low wear Biotribological performance for improved function and long-term stability
In 2009 roughly 65000 hip replacements were performed in the UK. It is estimated that this number will double by 2030, making hip replacements a growing and competitive market. The design of prostheses presents a challenge for biomedical engineers, as poor implant design, bad implant insertion and tribochemical reactions in the body can all result in failure and the need for revision surgery. Moreover, with implants being inserted into younger and more active individuals, the demands placed on the implants are increasing and current implant designs and materials need to be improved to enhance their functionality, durability and longevity.
Biotribology studies the interactions between biological and biomedical material surfaces, to enhance lubrication while reducing friction, wear and corrosion between components and surfaces. We have a long established expertise in biomedical materials research for use in joint replacements. The student will have the opportunity to work on a range of experiments and equipment including our recently obtained ten-station hip wear simulator.
The focus is to study the behaviour of new smart synthetic materials to optimize their tribological performance for the next generation of hip implants to restorate normal hip function. We aim to establish novel strategies for improved hip implants to benefit industry and patients. The work is in close collaboration with our industrial partners, and principally with DePuy Orthopaedics Inc.
The student will be co-supervised by Dr. Xiao Q Hu who worked previously with DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. and has 17 years experience with hip simulator testing. It is envisioned that the student will be in frequent contact with our industrial partners to participate in design, development and improvement of next generation hip implants. The project will be focused on the biotribology of the hip joint with particular interest in the wear and friction simulation of new smart synthetic materials.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr. Martin Stolz, national Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS) research group, Email: m.stolz@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 4772. Web: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/ncats/
In 2009 roughly 65000 hip replacements were performed in the UK. It is estimated that this number will double by 2030, making hip replacements a growing and competitive market. The design of prostheses presents a challenge for biomedical engineers, as poor implant design, bad implant insertion and tribochemical reactions in the body can all result in failure and the need for revision surgery. Moreover, with implants being inserted into younger and more active individuals, the demands placed on the implants are increasing and current implant designs and materials need to be improved to enhance their functionality, durability and longevity.
Biotribology studies the interactions between biological and biomedical material surfaces, to enhance lubrication while reducing friction, wear and corrosion between components and surfaces. We have a long established expertise in biomedical materials research for use in joint replacements. The student will have the opportunity to work on a range of experiments and equipment including our recently obtained ten-station hip wear simulator.
The focus is to study the behaviour of new smart synthetic materials to optimize their tribological performance for the next generation of hip implants to restorate normal hip function. We aim to establish novel strategies for improved hip implants to benefit industry and patients. The work is in close collaboration with our industrial partners, and principally with DePuy Orthopaedics Inc.
The student will be co-supervised by Dr. Xiao Q Hu who worked previously with DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. and has 17 years experience with hip simulator testing. It is envisioned that the student will be in frequent contact with our industrial partners to participate in design, development and improvement of next generation hip implants. The project will be focused on the biotribology of the hip joint with particular interest in the wear and friction simulation of new smart synthetic materials.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr. Martin Stolz, national Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS) research group, Email: m.stolz@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 4772. Web: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/ncats/