Bioengineering Laboratory - Research: Musculoskeletal Tissue
Current / Recent Projects
| The Influence of Genetics and Exercise on Skeletal Morphology |
Summary: Both genetic and environmental factors are known to affect skeletal morphology, which influences bone mechanical behavior during loading. This project employed a novel approach to explore the importance of genetics and exercise on skeletal development using genetically identical mice selectively bred for high or low levels of voluntary wheel running. In contrast with previous findings, neither selection for high voluntary wheel running nor chronic exercise appeared to significantly alter bone morphology.
|
| Carpal Bone Size and Shape |
Summary: The motion of the hand relative to the forearm is largely defined by the complex shapes and intricate articulations of the eight bones in the carpus. In general, carpal bone motion is similar in men and women, though there are some differences in rotation axis location. As part of our programmatic focus on carpal kinematics, this study was performed to evaluate gender-related differences in carpal bone size, shape, and scaling, and to generate a digital database of carpal bone morphology.
|
| Tissue Repair and Distraction Osteogenesis |
Publications
Title: Tissue Repair and Distraction Osteogenesis
Summary: This study looks at many different aspects of distraction osteogenisis. Focus of the study has most recently revolved around the rat model in weight-bearing situations.
Funding: Departmental
| Strain Fields in Tissue Cultures |
Publications
Title: Strain Fields in Tissue Cultures
Summary: This is a new study and is currently in pilot study phase.
Funding: Departmental
Publications
Title: In vitro Failure of Ligaments with Constant Impact Energy
Summary: Ligament injuries occur from impacts. While the rate of loading is known to have dramatic effects on ligament behavior, impact loading has not been previously studied. This study examines the influence of impact, which more closely mimics clinical injury mechanisms, on the mechanical properties of ligamentous tissue. The data from this study will be used to develop a proposal for external
Funding.
Funding: Departmental
Title: The efficacy of repairing meniscal defects in a rabbit model.
Summary: Left untreated, the meniscal injuries of the knee have minimal repair capabilities. The small intestine submucosa (SIS) of the pig has been demonstrated to promote repair in tissue ranging from arteries to tendons. This study was designed to evaluate the repair capabilities of SIS in an animal model.
Funding: Depuy, Inc.
Title: The Efficacy of Repairing Meniscal Defects in a Goat Model
Summary: SIS has been used with success in a number of soft tissue repair applications. This pilot study evaluated the efficacy of SIS for the repair of large (~70%) meniscal defects in goats. Data generated thus far suggests that SIS may have utility as graft material for treating large meniscal lesions.
Funding: Industry
Publications
Title: Osteoarthritis Following ACL Reconstruction
Summary: One of the goals of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is to prevent the progression of arthritis commonly seen in the ACL-deficient knee. However, there is some clinical evidence to suggest that post-traumatic arthritis will persist following surgery. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the progression of osteoarthritis following ACL reconstruction using an experimental model. The status of the articular cartilage of the knee will be assessed in control, sham, ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knees. Articular cartilage damage will be quantified by assessing the mechanical properties of tissue.
Funding: Supported by The National Institute of Health (NIH)
Title: Effects of Initial Graft Tension Following ACL Reconstruction
Summary: The initial tension applied to the graft at the time of surgery affects the knee motion and the distribution of contact stress, factors thought to promote osteoarthritis in the ACL-injured knee. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of initial graft tension on the articular cartilage following ACL reconstruction in a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, and controled study. Articular cartilage status is being assessed by measuring changes in the joint spaces of the tibiofemoral joint. Secondary outcomes include changes in joint kinematics, strength and patient-oriented outcomes.
Funding: Supported by The National Institute of Health (NIH)
 |
 |
Title: Initial Graft Tension and ACL Reconstruction
Summary: Biomarkers of articular cartilage metabolism (biochemical markers of collagen and aggrecan synthesis and degradation) may serve as surrogates for articular cartilage damage. However, longitudinal studies are needed to relate the changes in concentrations the biochemical markers, which are obtained from serum, synovial fluid, and/or cartilage samples, to the status of articular cartilage. Using the experimental model described above, the relationship between the biomarkers and the material properties of the articular cartilage following ACL injury and treatment are being ascertained.
Funding: National Football League Charities
Title: In vivo measurement of anterior cruciate ligament strain during rehabilitation exercises
Summary: The objective of this study is to measure the ACL strain response during rehabilitation exercises and other muscle-induced loading conditions in human subjects.
Funding: National Football League Charities
Title: An experimental model to evaluate ACL graft healing
Summary: The objective of this investigation was to develop an experimental model to evaluate different parameters of ACL reconstruction on graft healing and the progression of OA.
Funding: Supported by The National Institute of Health (NIH)