Orthopaedic Biomechanics

The mission of the Martin Orthopaedic Biomechanics Lab is to measure and improve the biomechanical performance of human and artificial bone, joint replacements and fracture fixation implants, and new biomaterials that can enhance patient quality of life, advance surgical techniques and reduce health care system costs.

Core Researchers

Our Work

Bone Mechanics

We determine the general mechanical properties of human and artificial bone in order to improve the validity of biomechanical studies.

Bone Mechanics Diagram

Biomechanical test setup showing vertical force being applied to the (A) human femur, (B) artificial femur and (C) computer model of the femur.

Bone Mechanics Diagram

Stress maps of a dynamically loaded proximal femur obtained using a novel infrared thermal camera technique.

 

Implant Testing

We compare the mechanical stability of implants that are clinically used for joint replacement and fracture fixation in order to determine the optimal choice.

Implant Testing Diagram

Results of load-to-failure testing of two types of hip resurfacing implants, showing fracture lines in the femoral neck region.

Implant Testing Diagram

X-rays of five fixation methods for humerus fracture, and the mechanical test setup for applying torque to measure stiffness and strength.

New Biomaterials

We develop new materials that can be used to fabricate a new generation of advanced implants for joint replacement and fracture fixation surgery.

New Biomaterials Diagram

Total knee replacement design. (A) Experimental setup using strain gauges to test a traditional knee replacement with a metal femoral component and polymer tibial component, (B) New knee replacement design with a polymer-based material layer on the femoral metal component that minimizes “stress shielding” that can lead to underlying bone loss and implant loosening.

New Biomaterials Diagram

New polymer-based composite materials used for designing new joint replacements and fracture fixation implants.

Featured Publications

  • Aziz MSR, Nicayenzi B, Crookshank MC, Bougherara H, Schemitsch EH, Zdero R, Biomechanical Measurements of Stiffness and Strength for Five Types of Whole Human and Artificial Humeri, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 2014, vol.136(5), pp.051006-1-10.
  • Aziz MSR, Nicayenzi B, Crookshank MC, Bougherara H, Schemitsch EH, Zdero R, Biomechanical Measurements of Cortical Screw Purchase in Five Types of Human and Artificial Humeri, Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 2014, vol.30, pp.159-167.
  • Nicayenzi B, Shah S, Schemitsch EH, Bougherara H, Zdero R, The Biomechanical Effect of Changes in Cancellous Bone Density on Synthetic Femur Behaviour, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Part H): Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 2011, vol.225(11), pp.1050-1060.
  • Zdero R, Olsen M, Elfatori S, Skrinskas T, Nourhosseini H, Whyne C, Schemitsch EH, Von Schroeder H, Linear and Torsional Mechanical Characteristics of Intact and Reconstructed Scapholunate Ligaments, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 2009, vol.131(4), pp.041009-1-7.
  • Papini M, Zdero R, Schemitsch EH, Zalzal P, The Biomechanics of Human Femurs in Axial and Torsional Loading: Comparison of Finite Element Analysis, Human Cadaveric Femurs, and Synthetic Femurs, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 2007, vol.129(1), pp.12-19.
  • Zdero R, Saidi K, Mason SA, Schemitsch EH, Naudie DDR, A Biomechanical Comparison of Four Different Cementless Press-Fit Stems used in Revision Surgery for Total Knee Replacements, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Part H): Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 2012, vol.226(11), pp.848-857.
  • Ebrahimi H, Rabinovich M, Vuleta V, Zalcman D, Shah S, Dubov A, Roy K, Siddiqui FS, Schemitsch EH, Bougherara H, Zdero R, Biomechanical Properties of an