Project Duration: 1-2 semesters
Introduction
One common failure mode of orthopaedic implants is implant loosening associated with micromotion. Micromotion at the implant interface causes mechanical damage to the neighboring tissue, leading to local bone loss. When enough bone surrounding the implant is lost, the implant is no longer secured in the bone and the implant fails.
Description
In this project the student will design and manufacture a number of implants and loading fixtures to be used in animal experiments. Implant design includes CAD drawings of parts that may be manufactured in a reasonable time frame. Additionally the student will be involved in preparation and performing surgical interventions on animals and interacting with local animal care and use ethical committees. Students working on this project must have substantial mechanical design experience, such as gained in most undergraduate mechanical engineering degree programs In humans orthopaedic surgery is performed using a number of alignment fixtures to ensure appropriate positioning of implanted hardware. Animal models are commonly used to test the performance of biomaterials used in orthopaedic surgery, but to ensure repeatable experiments surgical alignment fixtures are needed.Description
The student will design and manufacture alignment fixtures for surgeries on live rodents (all animal work will be performed under approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee). The work involves CAD designing and precision machining. The student will also receive training in rodent surgical technique.
Contact information: cjh275@cornell.edu