Module overview
This module will provide an insight into the engineering based problems faced in orthopaedic biomechanics, through a detailed study of intact lower limb and the lower limb pre- and post- total joint replacement. You will gain an understanding of the structure of bone from the micro scale through to the full construct level, the major bones and tissues in the lower limb, their structure property relationships, and their kinematics. This knowledge will underpin your understanding of the replaced joint and its function, from an engineering perspective and from a surgical perspective. Finally, you will learn about the modes of failure of the replaced joint, and what can be done to prevent failure based on clinical experience, materials selection and design.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Partial CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- The coursework is a written assignment that brings together principles learned in the initial series of lectures and asks the students to explain how implanted components failed. They are asked to distil information from technical papers into a concise and readable report.
- Case studies are presented throughout the course, and the coursework focusses on a real-world problem. The reasoning behind the failures and how they could have been mitigated are discussed.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Techniques used to assess the performance of joint replacement
- To use standard software packages in problem solving situations
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of total joint replacement designs
- Mechanics of the lower limb
- Material properties of bone and soft tissues from the micro level to the macroscopic level
- Prepare brief technical reports
- Factors related to the design of hip and knee joint replacement
- Make informed decisions as to the best method to assess the performance of total joint replacements
- Apply engineering analysis techniques to orthopaedic biomechanics problems
Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Applying a knowledge of natural science and engineering principles based on a comprehensive understanding of materials science and mechanics to solve complex problems associated with the use and function of the musculoskeletal system from the cellular level to the whole body level.
- The students are taught how to apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques such as finite element analysis and free body diagrams to model complex problems, and understand the limitations of the techniques employed.
Syllabus
Introduction to course – 1 lecture.
Functional Anatomy – 3 lectures.
Cell mechanics (properties, characterisation, mechanobiology) – 3 lectures.
Soft tissue mechanics (Ligaments, muscles, tendons) – 3 lectures.
Soft tissue Mechanics (structure/properties) – 3 lectures.
Bone mechanics (structure, material properties, modelling/remodelling) – 3 lectures.
Bone mechanics (mechanical characterisation, fracture mechanics, degeneration) – 3 lectures.
Whole bone biomechanics (kinematics) – 3 lectures.
Joint and muscle forces (kinetics) – 3 lectures.
Finite element modelling of bone (general introduction) – 3 lectures.
Laboratories (FE modelling and gait analysis) – 6 x 1 hour slots
Total hip replacement – THR (bearing couples/fixation/mechanics) – 3 lectures.
Total knee replacement – TKR (bearing couples/fixation/mechanics) – 3 lectures.
Case studies on THR and TKR – 3 lectures.
Revision – 3 lectures.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- Including guest talks from clinicians and industry
- Computing labs
- Using basic computational modelling techniques to develop models of the bone and augmenting the model as the course progresses to include surrounding tissues, motions, loads and implanted bone.
- Online resources
- Blackboard
- Case studies
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 70 |
| Lecture | 30 |
| Completion of assessment task | 24 |
| Wider reading or practice | 10 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 6 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 25% |
| Final Assessment | 75% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External